Life satisfaction and self-efficacy of nurses and midwives in caring for newborns with lethal anomalies

The nursing and midwifery professions are potential influences on life satisfaction and self-efficacy, especially in obstetric settings dealing with fetal demise or severe congenital anomalies. This study aimed to assess how sociodemographic factors (e.g., workplace, marital status, financial situation, occupation, and tenure) and specific job exposures (frequency of neonatal death and caregiving for newborns with lethal defects) impact life satisfaction and self-efficacy among nurses and midwives. The study further explored the role of employer-provided psychological support in influencing job satisfaction and self-efficacy.

A diagnostic survey with a custom questionnaire, supplemented by the General Self-Efficacy Life satisfaction and self-efficacy (GSES) and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), was conducted in level II and III referral centers in Poland's Silesian region in 2023. Participants included nurses and midwives in various neonatal and obstetric departments. Statistical analyses encompassed descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Spearman correlations, with significance set at p < 0.05.

A majority of participants reported moderate to high life satisfaction (41.7%) and self-efficacy (59.0%). Key factors impacting life satisfaction included marital status, financial situation, education, tenure, and caregiving frequency for newborns with lethal defects. High self-efficacy was significantly associated with job satisfaction, tenure, and workplace environment but was unaffected by marital status, financial situation, or psychological support.

The findings highlight the emotional burden on nurses and midwives in neonatal care. Enhanced psychological support, stress-coping training, and policy adjustments are recommended to support this workforce. Further studies should broaden regional scope and examine links between life satisfaction, self-efficacy, and job satisfaction.