Increasing levels of burnout in Swedish midwives – A ten-year comparative study

Abstract

ProblemMidwives’ levels of burnout seem to be increasing worldwide. BackgroundPrevious research show a high prevalence of burnout in midwives. AimTo compare levels of burnout in two national Swedish samples of midwives completing a similar survey. MethodsA comparative study of two cross-sectional national surveys directed at midwives in 2012 and 2022. To measure burnout in midwives, the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory with 19 items was used. FindingsThe sample consisted of 2209 midwives: 466 from 2012 and 1743 from 2022. Personal burnout showed an increase from 39.5 % to 53.6 % over the years; work burnout increased from 15.5 % to 49.2 % and client burnout increased from 15 % to 20.9 %. Personal burnout was associated with working shift. Work burnout was associated with length of work experience and working rotating shifts; and client burnout was associated with shorter work experience. DiscussionThe highest increase in burnout was found in the work domain in 2022 compared to 2012. Notable in the present study is the increase in client burnout, which could be a sign of midwives becoming less caring and more cynical. ConclusionThis study showed that self-reported levels of burnout among Swedish midwives increased over the ten-year period studied. The largest increase was found in the subscale work burnout. Midwives with shorter work experience and those with shift work were the most vulnerable to burnout. Improved organisation of midwifery services needs to be designed to ensure healthy working conditions for midwives.