Analysis of Burnout Risk Factors in Midwives in Times of Pandemic: An International Study

Burnout and job satisfaction among midwives have been studied extensively but not in the context of global pandemics. Given the effects of pandemics and similar crises on the experiences and working conditions of midwives, as well as the increasing incidence of such events, it is necessary to evaluate their impact. The dual aims of this study were to analyze whether there were differences in the levels of burnout and job satisfaction experienced during the pandemic between midwives in Spain and the United Kingdom, and to identify risk factors for high levels of burnout during this period.

We conducted a cross-sectional study using a questionnaire based on validated burnout and job satisfaction scales between October 2020 and March 2021. We recruited a total sample of 599 midwives, 170 in the UK and 429 in Spain. Data were analyzed using logistic regression models in SPSS 20.0.

Moderate and high levels of burnout were found in both countries, although UK midwives reported significantly higher levels of burnout than Spanish midwives (p > 0.000). Spanish midwives had higher job satisfaction scores in all variables except benefits received (salary, promotion, and training) (p > 0.000). Age, hospital care units, and rotating work shifts were the main factors related to high levels of burnout (p > 0.000).

During the pandemic, midwives in Spain and the United Kingdom experienced high levels of burnout and job dissatisfaction. Strategies need to be developed to reduce the impact of pandemic-related stressors in order to minimize attrition in the profession without compromising quality of care.