Factors Associated With Midwives' Perceived Difficulty in Supporting Couples With Older First-Time Mothers by...

This study aimed to examine differences in midwives' perceived difficulty in providing child-rearing and social support to couples with older first-time mothers according to the workplace setting, and to identify contributing individual and organizational factors.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among midwives working at medical institutions and midwifery centers across Japan who had supported couples with older first-time mothers within the previous year. Data on individual characteristics, workplace characteristics, perceived difficulty in providing child-rearing support, and perceived difficulty in providing social support were collected using online or anonymous self-administered questionnaires. Workplace settings were categorized into four types: perinatal medical centers, general hospitals, clinics, and midwifery centers. Logistic regression analysis was conducted.

A total of 922 midwives were included. Compared with midwives working in midwifery centers, those working in perinatal medical centers (odds ratio [OR] = 2.71), general hospitals (OR = 2.67), and clinics (OR = 1.94) reported significantly greater perceived difficulty in providing child-rearing support. Midwives with fewer than 10 years' experience also reported greater difficulty than those with 30 or more years' experience. Perceived difficulty in providing instrumental, informational, emotional, and appraisal support was associated with workplace setting. Additional associations were observed with CLoCMiP Level III certification and the availability of postpartum outreach and day-care services.

Midwives' perceived difficulty differed according to workplace setting and was associated with both individual and organizational factors. Strengthening organizational support systems and educational opportunities may help reduce perceived difficulty in supporting couples with older first-time mothers.