'We are going into battle without appropriate armour': A qualitative study of Indonesian midwives' experiences in providing maternity care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hazfiarini, A; Akter, S; Homer, CSE; Zahroh, RI; Bohren, MA

'We are going into battle without appropriate armour': A qualitative study of Indonesian midwives' experiences in providing maternity care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hazfiarini, A Akter, S Homer, CSE Zahroh, RI Bohren, MA

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Publisher:: Elsevier BV
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Women Birth, 2021
Issue Date:: 2021-10-11

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Hazfiarini, A
dc.contributor.author	Akter, S
dc.contributor.author	Homer, CSE
dc.contributor.author	Zahroh, RI
dc.contributor.author	Bohren, MA
dc.date.accessioned	2022-01-24T01:10:50Z
dc.date.available	2021-10-05
dc.date.available	2022-01-24T01:10:50Z
dc.date.issued	2021-10-11
dc.identifier.citation	Women Birth, 2021
dc.identifier.issn	1871-5192
dc.identifier.issn	1878-1799
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/153481
dc.description.abstract	BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the provision of maternity care worldwide. The continuation of maternity services during the pandemic is vital, but midwives have reported feeling overwhelmed in providing these services at this time. However, there are limited studies in Indonesia that have explored the experiences of midwives in providing care during the pandemic. AIM: Our study aims to explore Indonesian midwives' experiences in providing maternity care during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We used a descriptive qualitative approach using in-depth interviews to explore the experiences of 15 midwives working in different level of maternity care facilities in two regions in Indonesia, Surabaya and Mataram. All interviews were conducted via WhatsApp call and were audio-recorded with permission. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. FINDINGS: Four themes were identified: 1) fear for the wellbeing of the family and herself, 2) increased workload, 3) motivation and support for midwives, and 4) challenges in providing maternity care for women. DISCUSSION: Sense of duty and loyalty to other midwives motivated midwives to continue working despite their fears and increased workload. Inadequate protection and support and practical challenges faced by midwives should be addressed to ensure midwives' wellbeing and the continuity of maternity care. CONCLUSION: Our study provides insight into Indonesian midwives' experiences in providing maternity care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adequate protection through PPE availability, effective training and support for midwives' wellbeing is needed to support midwives in providing maternity care during the pandemic. Community's adherence to COVID-19 protocols and good collaboration between primary health centres and hospitals would also benefit midwives.
dc.format	Print-Electronic
dc.language	eng
dc.publisher	Elsevier BV
dc.relation.ispartof	Women Birth
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1016/j.wombi.2021.10.003
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/embargoedAccess
dc.subject	11 Medical and Health Sciences
dc.subject.classification	Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine
dc.title	'We are going into battle without appropriate armour': A qualitative study of Indonesian midwives' experiences in providing maternity care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.location.activity	Netherlands
utslib.for	11 Medical and Health Sciences
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - CHSP - Health Services and Practice
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - WHO CC
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
utslib.copyright.embargo	2023-10-11T00:00:00+1000Z
dc.date.updated	2022-01-24T01:10:49Z
pubs.publication-status	Published online

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the provision of maternity care worldwide. The continuation of maternity services during the pandemic is vital, but midwives have reported feeling overwhelmed in providing these services at this time. However, there are limited studies in Indonesia that have explored the experiences of midwives in providing care during the pandemic. AIM: Our study aims to explore Indonesian midwives' experiences in providing maternity care during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We used a descriptive qualitative approach using in-depth interviews to explore the experiences of 15 midwives working in different level of maternity care facilities in two regions in Indonesia, Surabaya and Mataram. All interviews were conducted via WhatsApp call and were audio-recorded with permission. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. FINDINGS: Four themes were identified: 1) fear for the wellbeing of the family and herself, 2) increased workload, 3) motivation and support for midwives, and 4) challenges in providing maternity care for women. DISCUSSION: Sense of duty and loyalty to other midwives motivated midwives to continue working despite their fears and increased workload. Inadequate protection and support and practical challenges faced by midwives should be addressed to ensure midwives' wellbeing and the continuity of maternity care. CONCLUSION: Our study provides insight into Indonesian midwives' experiences in providing maternity care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adequate protection through PPE availability, effective training and support for midwives' wellbeing is needed to support midwives in providing maternity care during the pandemic. Community's adherence to COVID-19 protocols and good collaboration between primary health centres and hospitals would also benefit midwives.

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:

http://hdl.handle.net/10453/153481