Barnmorskutbildning, behörighetskrav och yrkesförbund i sex Sydasiatiska länder - En deskriptiv studie

Abstract

Background: Countries in South Asia continue to have high maternal and newborn mortality rates. Midwifery has been broadly acknowledged as an evidence-based response to improving maternal and newborn health outcomes. Education, regulation and the establishment of an association are regarded as the foundation of strong and effective midwifery profession. Objective: The objective was to describe the situation of midwifery education, regulation and professional associations in six countries in South Asia. Methods: Data were collected via three questionnaires, constructed by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Investing in Midwives Programme, used at a Regional workshop in Bangladesh, 2010. The questionnaires included both closed and open-ended questions, and 55 out of 134 were selected for the purpose of this study. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and the open ended answers with a qualitative content analysis. Results: There was a variation in midwifery education across South Asia, in terms of entry level, competencies and requirements for teachers. None of the countries had national legislation that recognized midwifery as an autonomous profession. Four of the countries had a midwifery association. Main recommendations for improving formal midwifery education across the countries were: development of legislation, strengthened formal midwifery education, strengthened professional value, and an improved learning environment. Conclusion: South Asian countries in this study are working hard and have made some progress towards international standards. However, midwifery is not yet recognized as an autonomous profession. Only Afghanistan and Bangladesh had a curriculum based on ICM´s basic competencies. With further assistance, the area of South Asia will be able to create a midwifery workforce that complies with ICM’s global standards for midwifery education and regulation in order to provide high quality, evidence-based health service for women, newborn and childbearing families.