Depression, anxiety and stress in Swedish midwives: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Midwives are exposed to emotional strain, which could affect their overall health. Lack of emotional well-being could be a reason for workforce attrition. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety and stress among Swedish midwives in relation to background variables. METHODS A random sample of 1000 midwives were asked to participate and complete a questionnaire. Participants completed the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, Copenhagen Burnout Inventory and Quality of Life inventories together with demographic and work-related data. RESULTS In all, 470 midwives responded to the questionnaire (48%). The prevalence of moderate/severe/very severe symptoms of depressive symptoms was 12%, anxiety 8.6%, and stress 7.2%. Midwives aged <40 years and those with <10 years work experience reported higher levels of depressive symptoms, anxiety and stress. The factors most strongly associated with symptoms of depression were personal burnout (AOR=12.26), client burnout (AOR=1.95) and quality of life (AOR=0.26) The factors most strongly associated with symptoms of anxiety were work burnout (AOR=2.53) and personal burnout (AOR=5.61). The factors most strongly associated with stress were personal burnout (AOR=3.90) and work burnout (AOR=3.58) and high quality of life (AOR=0.34). CONCLUSIONS Swedish midwives experience symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Symptoms of burnout were associated with all aspects of mental health, while high quality of life was protective against these symptoms. These findings are relevant to consider in the work environment for Swedish midwives in order to reduce attrition rates.

Psychological Distress and Coping Strategies among Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey

“…The overall prevalence of Swedish midwives moderate/severe/very severe symptoms of depressive symptoms were (12%), anxiety (8.6%), and stress (7.2%) [36]. Midwives aged under 40 and less than 10 years of experience reported higher depressive symptoms, anxiety, and depression [36]. The studies mentioned above demonstrated the presence of psychological distress before the pandemic.…”

“…In 2019, one-third of midwives in the United Kingdom reported moderate/severe/extreme levels of depression (33%), anxiety (38%), and stress (36.7%) [35]. The overall prevalence of Swedish midwives moderate/severe/very severe symptoms of depressive symptoms were (12%), anxiety (8.6%), and stress (7.2%) [36]. Midwives aged under 40 and less than 10 years of experience reported higher depressive symptoms, anxiety, and depression [36].…”

“…Provided care for patients who had tested positive for COVID-19 108 (83) Provided care for patients who were suspected of being COVID-19-positive 47(36) …”

Is job seniority a protective factor against anxiety among midwives during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic?

“…However, it should be noted that there are scientific reports indicating the existence of a relationship between job seniority and the severity of anxiety or depression in midwives [24]. Båtsman et al (2020) point to a significant relationship between the occurrence of anxiety symptoms and professional experience -respondents with fewer than 10 years of overall work experience experienced greater severity of anxiety symptoms than midwives with greater work experience [24]. Therefore, it seems justified to take into account other factors related to the work setting that may reduce the severity of anxiety among midwives.…”

Stres zawodowy i syndrom wypalenia zawodowego u położnych pracujących w szpitalach prowadzących profil położnictwo i ginekologia na różnych poziomach referencyjnych

“…-praca zmianowa (nieregularne godziny pracy wpływają na rytm procesów fizjologicznych, które w konsekwencji mogą być źródłem wielu problemów zdrowotnych, takich jak zaburzenia snu, utrzymujące się zmęczenie, zaburzenia układu krążenia, problemy trawienne oraz zaburzenia poznawcze); -uciążliwe warunki pracy (częsty kontakt z zanieczyszczeniami, brudem, wydzielinami i drobnoustrojami chorobotwórczymi oraz wysiłek fizyczny związany z wykonywaniem czynności pielęgnacyjnych oraz asystą przy zabiegach); -obciążenie psychiczne (wysokie poczucie odpowiedzialności); -zbyt niskie zarobki; -zła współpraca (ze współpracownikami lub/i z pacjentami). Długotrwały stres może skutkować frustracją, brakiem energii, motywacji do pracy oraz przyczyniać się do rozwoju chorób przewlekłych (Mollart, Skinner, Newing, & Foureur, 2013;Båtsman, Fahlbeck, & Hildingsson, 2020). Jednak pomimo szeregu trudności i możliwości wystąpienia nieprzewidzianych sytuacji położne zgodnie z Ustawą o zawodach pielęgniarki i położnej zobowiązane są do wykonywania swojej pracy starannie oraz kompetentnie, zapewniając tym samym wysoką jakość opieki medycznej swoim pacjentom 6 .…”