| Summary: | 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.
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