Comparison of the Self-efficacy of Clinical Performance of Midwife and Non-Midwife Healthcare Workers in Health Centers of Ahvaz, Iran

Abstract

Background and Objective: Midwives, as members of the health team, have an important role in providing health services at three levels of the care system, especially the health center, family, and community. Self-efficacy of clinical performance is an essential variable in providing quality services. This study was conducted to compare the self-efficacy of clinical performance of midwife and non-midwife healthcare workers, working in Ahvaz health centers. Materials and Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study carried out on 115 healthcare workers (67 midwives and 48 non-midwives) working in health centers in Ahvaz, Iran. Participants were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and completed the self-efficacy clinical performance questionnaire. Finally, the results were analyzed in two groups of midwives and non-midwives’ health care workers. Results: According to the analysis, midwives had the highest score of clinical self-efficacy in prenatal care, while non-midwives had the highest score in the field of children. Also, in midwives compared to non-midwives, the self-efficacy score of clinical performance in all areas except children was significantly different, and in all areas, the mean score obtained by midwives was higher than that of non-midwives (p <0.001). Conclusion: Given the higher rate of clinical performance in midwives compared to the non-midwives group, as healthcare providers, in all areas of care provided to healthcare clients, health policymakers should consider this capability of midwives in planning related to health promotion.