Factors associated with occupational identity in midwives

Abstract

Purpose
The present study aimed to develop a scale to measure occupational identity in midwives and examine associated factors. The study further intended to explore the intention to continue working as a midwife and to elucidate the measures that would encourage occupational growth in the field.
Participants and methods
A mailed self-administered questionnaire survey targeted 414 midwives with less than two years of experience and working at 87 hospitals across Japan. Factor analysis, stepwise multivariate regression analysis, and the t-test were subsequently performed to assess occupational identity in midwives.
Results
Valid responses were obtained from 204 participants (valid response rate: 49.3%) with a mean age of 25.5 years (SD=3.9). A Midwife Occupational Identity Scale consisting of 26 items in the following five categories was created: "pride in being needed as a midwife" (F1); "establishing one's perspective as a midwife" (F2); "confidence in one's decision to become a midwife" (F3); "pride in expertise as a midwife" (F4); and "intent to make a societal contribution as a midwife" (F5). Variables associated with subcategories of the midwife Occupational Identity Scale comprised "experiences accompanied by positive feelings during midwife schooling", "psychological support from instructors", "experiences accompanied by positive or negative feelings after being employed", "gap in occupational knowledge between graduating and the start of employment", "future development, number of assisted cesarean cases", "psychological support from veteran midwives", "attitude on gender roles", and "presence of a role model".
Variables associated with the intention to continue work were "confidence in one's decision to become a midwife" (F3), "experiences accompanied by positive or negative feelings after becoming employed", "future development", and "attitude on gender roles".
Conclusion
The present study confirmed the reliability and construct validity of the midwife Occupational Identity Scale. The results suggest that occupational identity in midwives is enhanced by awareness and experiences during schooling and employment as a midwife, psychological support, and an egalitarian attitude. In addition, occupational identity was shown to be associated with the intention to continue work as a midwife.