Perspectives of Nurses and Midwives on Determinants of Contemporary Image of Nursing and Midwifery Professions in Ghana: A Mixed Method Study

Abstract

Background: Nursing and midwifery image has endured positive and negative stereotypes in transition from vocation to a recognised profession and a discipline. Nevertheless, concerns about professional image still persist and factors influencing contemporary image of nursing and midwifery are least understood.Aim: The aim is this study is to investigate nurses and midwives’ perception of their professional image and describe the factors influencing their perception.Methods: A mixed method approach was employed. Qualitative data was first collected followed by a quantitative evaluation. Participants were recruited from six (6) regions in Ghana. Nurses and midwife age 18 years with at least one year practiced experience were eligible. Recruitment was done through one-on-one contact and via social media platforms. In depth interviews were conducted with 60 nurses and midwives and questionnaires completed by 778 respondents online. Interviews were transcribed, coded and grouped into themes and subthemes using content analysis. Mean and standard deviation were described and multi-level modelling was used to examine the personal, geographical and organizational factors influencing the contemporary image of the nurse and midwife.Results: Nurses and midwives had positive (M = 21.31, SD = 3.09) and negative perception of nursing and midwifery. Demographic factors such as education F(3, 772) = 5.10, p =.002, professional category F(2, 773) = 4.08, p = .017 and rank F(6, 766) = 3.07, P = .002 influenced professional image. Other qualitative determinants of image of nursing and midwifery were education and training, professionalism, clinical leadership culture and influence of regulatory body and professional associations. Conclusion: Nursing and midwifery profession in contemporary times still carries the perspectives of the medieval age. Strategies for de-emphasizing negative factors affecting the profession needs to be explored and addressed.