[Professional Health Literacy Among Midwives - Findings from a Standardised Online Survey Conducted in Bavaria]

Womens health literacy before, during and after childbirth is of considerable public health importance. As midwives frequently serve as primary care providers and first professional contacts during this critical stage of life, they are strategically positioned to support and enhance women's health literacy. The effective fulfilment of this role, however, requires a well-developed level of professional health literacy among midwives themselves. Empirical evidence on this construct remains limited. The aim of this study was to provide a systematic assessment of professional health literacy among midwives in Bavaria.

A cross-sectional design was applied using data from a standardised online survey conducted within the HELPER study. Between November 2023 and May 2024, 668 midwives practising in Bavaria participated. Professional health literacy was assessed using the PROF-HL-Q, a 34-item instrument covering four competency domains. Data were analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics, including independent samples t-tests and correlation analysis.

Mean scores across the four competency domains ranged from 48.6 to 78.0 (scale range: 0-100). Patient-centred communication achieved the highest mean scores and was perceived as the least challenging domain. In contrast, professional digital health literacy showed the lowest mean scores and was rated as the most challenging.

The findings underline the pivotal role of midwives as providers of health-related information and guidance through-out the perinatal period. Simultaneously, domain-specific competency gaps were identified, indicating a need for curricular refinement in both pre-registration education and continuing professional development. Targeted measures, particularly in the areas of digital competencies, evidence-informed practice, and advanced communication skills, appear warranted.