Job satisfaction in midwives working in labour ward: A systematic review with meta-analysis

Problem

There is little documented evidence of job satisfaction in midwives who work in birthing rooms.

Background

Job satisfaction in midwives who work in birthing rooms may have changed in recent decades due to the medicalization of maternal health.

Aim

To analyse job satisfaction levels among midwives working in birthing rooms.

Methods

We searched Web of Science, SCOPUS, MEDLINE, CUIDEN and CINAHL for observational and mixed method studies. The literature search was carried out from September to October 2022.

Findings

A total of 13 studies were included in the systematic review. A meta-analysis of the variable “midwives’ job satisfaction” was performed on 12 of the studies. Midwives rated their job satisfaction positively: DME, CI (95%) = 1.24 [0.78, 1.69]. Subgroup 1: DME, CI (95%) = 2.41 [2.05, 2.76]); Subgroup 2: DME, CI (95%) = 0.76 [0.65, 0.86]; subgroup 3: DME, CI (95%) = 1.11 [0.95, 1.27]; subgroup 4: DME, CI (95%) = 0.10 [-0.11, 0.31].

Discussion

Although midwives show high levels of satisfaction, the heterogeneity of instruments, lack of specificity and limited number of studies found restrict the outcomes.

Conclusion

There are no specific measurement instruments for assessing job satisfaction among midwives working in labour wards, so it is possible that these data do not correspond to reality as they do not take into account specific professional aspects within this field of practice.