Stundents Motivation and Orientation to Midwifery

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the research was to determine the motivation and orientation of midwifery students towards professional expertise and associated factors. Design: A cross-sectional study. Participants: A total of 241 undergraduate midwifery students in a convenience sample participated in this study at a Faculty of Health Care Studies. Methods: Data were collected through a questionnaire, which was composed of 3 parts: motivation factors, a Midwifery Orientation Tool, and background questions. Results: The most powerful motive for the study of midwifery was “to be useful to others, take care of others”. The motivation factor of completed professional practice decreased statistically significantly after the second year of study (p<0.001). Orientation towards midwifery did not significantly differ statistically over individual years. Students dissatisfied with their studies were significantly less motivated to study midwifery (p<0.001) and had significantly higher average scores on the caring orientation scale (p<0.001) and the midwifery expertise scale (p<0.001) when compared to satisfied and moderately satisfied students. Conclusion: We recommend that educators in midwifery discuss issues relating to the curriculum. Teachers and mentors should pay attention to the individual problems of students during the academic year, both in the classroom and during clinical placements.