[Professional Health Literacy within the Academic Transition of Midwifery Education: Findings from a Quantitative Study of Midwifery Students in Germany]

Since 2020, midwifery has been the first health profession in Germany to be fully transferred into academic education. However, it remains unclear whether midwifery students acquire the professional health literacy required to meet the increasing challenges of the healthcare system, such as the substantial growth in available specialized knowledge and the evolving expectations of patients regarding care and participation in decision-making. Whether and how future midwives possess the necessary competencies to respond to these new challenges is reflected in their level of professional health literacy. The aim of this study is therefore to assess the current status of professional health literacy among students of midwifery science.

Data collection was conducted as part of the HELPER study. A total of 140 midwifery students from Bavaria were included. Professional health literacy was measured using the PROF-HL-Q instrument, which comprises 34 items covering four domains. Results are presented descriptively. Correlation analyses were performed to identify potential associations with sociodemographic characteristics and study-related parameters.

On average, students rated their professional health literacy positively, achieving scores between 51.4 and 78.7 out of 100 across the four domains. Patient-centered communication was perceived as the easiest domain, whereas professional digital health literacy was rated the most challenging. In particular, students reported difficulties in interpreting statistical results, dealing with misinformed patients, and supporting patients in finding digital health information. Overall, only weak correlations were observed with the variables examined.

The findings indicate specific areas in which midwifery students' competencies require further strengthening and thus provide implications for curriculum development, particularly in light of ongoing digitalization and the continued professionalization of midwifery.