Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore cross-cultural differences in symptoms of burnout, anxiety, depression, general psychological distress, and secondary traumatic stress between Asian (Japan) and European (Switzerland) midwives. One hundred seventy midwives participated in the study. There were significant differences in age group [χ2(3) = 24.2, p < 0.01], marital or relationship status [χ2(2) = 28.4, p < 0.01], and years of experience [χ2(2) = 17.8, p < 0.01] between the two countries. The Japanese staff were younger, more often unmarried, and had less experience than the Swiss staff. The mean score of depersonalization was significantly higher in Switzerland (4.8 ± 3.8) than in Japan (3.2 ± 3.7; |z| = 2.71, p < 0.01). The mean score of general psychological distress in the Swiss sample (12.8 ± 6.5) was significantly higher than that in the Japanese sample (10.3 ± 6.2; |z| = 2.04, p = 0.04). In addition, the mean score of secondary traumatic stress was higher in the Swiss sample (31.8 ± 9.7) than in the Japanese sample (24.1 ± 8.6; |z| = 4.56, p < 0.01). These results may reflect cultural differences such as working conditions or family environment between Japan and Switzerland.
Highlights
The present study aimed to explore cross-cultural differences in symptoms of burnout, anxiety, depression, general psychological distress, and secondary traumatic stress between Asian (Japan) and European (Switzerland) midwives
Comparison of sociodemographic characteristics showed that Swiss midwives were older, more often in a relationship, and had more work experience
Summary
The present study aimed to explore cross-cultural differences in symptoms of burnout, anxiety, depression, general psychological distress, and secondary traumatic stress between Asian (Japan) and European (Switzerland) midwives. The authors of this study did not mention the reasons for the differences among the six countries, the sociodemographic data showed that the Japanese nurses were the youngest, had less nursing experience, had worked in the unit for a shorter period of time, and had the highest percentage of full time work [13]. It remains unclear whether these findings of higher burnout scores and socio-demographic specificities will be found in Japanese midwives. If the relationship between burnout and socio-demographic specificities was to be found in the present study, it might be useful to improve the quality of care in obstetric practices
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
