Perceptions and Experiences of Midwives During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Iran: A Qualitative Exploration

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic affected both the maternity care and services provided by healthcare providers. Midwives are among the health professionals who are fighting on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: This study aimed to explore Iranian midwives' perceptions and experiences of the COVID19 pandemic. Methods: This qualitative description was carried out between March and May 2020 in Mashhad, Northeast Iran. Through purposive sampling, 15 midwives were selected from Corona Centers. Semistructured face-to-face interviews were used for data collection. Graneheim & Lundman's conventional content analysis approach was used to analyze the data. The data organization was performed using MAXQDA 12 software. Guba and Lincoln's elements of rigor, including credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability were considered Results: Four overarching categories emerged based on the analysis of midwives' perceptions and experiences including "Facing challenges in confrontation with pregnant women", "Inefficiency of crisis management", "providing solutions and strategies to improve the current situation ", and "being affected by the pandemic in all aspects of life". Conclusion: Midwives faced different challenges since all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth care were influenced by the COVID-19 outbreak. Like other medical staff, midwives were on the frontline of health care during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it made problems for their personal feelings and professional responsibilities. Comprehensive support, promoting working status, and motivating midwives are vital in maintaining high-quality midwifery care.