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Introduction and Aim
Despite being primary providers of public health education regarding sexual and reproductive
health care, there is limited evidence regarding midwives’ confidence and practices
of this important role. The aim of this study was to explore midwives’ confidence
and practices around providing education to women on three key areas of sexual and
reproductive health: i) contraception and family planning; ii) sexual activity; and
iii) sexual health.
Methods
A cross-sectional exploratory study was conducted with responses from n=164 midwives
(43.1% response rate) working in a public tertiary maternity hospital in Western Australia.
The survey included items measuring confidence; method and frequency of practice.
Open-ended questions captured qualitative data. Data analysis was conducted using
descriptive statistics for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative
data.
Findings
Midwives’ age, years of clinical experience (p=0.001) and work setting (p=0.032) were
all significantly associated with the confidence to provide education on sexual activity.
Most (92.1%) midwives indicated that they wanted further education, with a preference
for online learning. Lack of time, knowledge and language barriers were key factors
preventing education.
Discussion
Midwives’ provision of education to women is critical for improving health literacy
and health outcomes for women and their families. Results impress the importance of
including sexual and reproductive health education in entry to registration courses
and the importance of continuing professional development.
Conclusion
Evidence from this novel study offers utility for leaders and educators in midwifery
to prepare and equip midwives to fulfil this important primary and public health role
of providing sexual and reproductive health care. Attending to identified professional
development needs of midwives, enables practitioners to work to their full scope of
practice providing comprehensive care to women and their families.
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Copyright
© 2022 Published by Elsevier Inc.
