Psychological Well-Being and Coping Strategies of Midwives during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia A Qualitative Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Midwifery Department, Faculty of Health Sciences Universitas Aisyiyah Yogyakarta, Indonesia

10.4103/nms.nms_125_21

Abstract

Background: 
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many individuals, including midwives.
Objectives: 
This study aimed to explore the Indonesian midwives' psychological well-being and to investigate their coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: 
This qualitative study investigated 10 midwives, from 9 provinces in Indonesia, who provided care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured online interviews were conducted. Prior to the interviews, an online survey was distributed to identify potential participants. The interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: 
This study summarized the midwivespsychological distress and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic, categorizing the information into four themes and fourteen subthemes: (a) “I am worried,” (b) professional and personal responsibilities, (c) coping strategies, and (d) policy and expectations were the main themes emerged.
Conclusions: 
Midwives experienced challenging situations that negatively affected their psychological state, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The biopsychosocial and cultural contexts influenced the midwives' psychological well-being and coping strategiesMidwives should be empowered to prevent and manage their psychological distress, as well as their patients' concerns, during this unprecedented period.

Highlights

Cesa Septiana Pratiwi [Pubmed] [Google Scholar]

Keywords