A cross-sectional survey of the mental health of midwives in Ontario, Canada: Burnout, depression, anxiety, stress, and associated factors

Abstract

ProblemBurnout and the psychological co-morbidities stress, anxiety and depression have a significant impact on healthcare providers, including midwives. These conditions impact the quality of care provided to women, and midwives’ ability to remain in the profession. BackgroundThere is growing concern regarding the retention of maternity care providers in Canada, particularly midwives. Nationally, 33% of Canadian midwives are seriously considering leaving practice; impacts of the profession on work-life-balance and mental health being commonly cited reasons. Burnout has been shown to contribute to workplace attrition, but little is known concerning burnout among Canadian midwives. AimTo assess levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout among midwives in Ontario, Canada and potential factors associated with these conditions. MethodsA cross-sectional survey of Ontario midwives incorporating a series of well-validated tools including the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. FindingsBetween February 5, and April 14, 2021, 275 Ontario midwives completed the survey. More than 50% of respondents reported depression, anxiety, stress, and burnout. Factors associated with poor mental health outcomes included having less than 10-years practice experience, identifying as a midwife with a disability, the inability to work off-call, and having taken a prior mental health leave. Discussion & ConclusionA significant proportion of Ontario midwives are experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout, which should be a serious concern for the profession, its leaders, and regulators. Investment in strategies aimed at retaining midwives that address underlying factors leading to attrition should be prioritized.