Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Women and Birth, cilt.38, sa.5, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
Problem and background: In Turkey, the fact that midwives cannot actively perform midwifery during births negatively affects them. Studies examining the negative experiences and outcomes of midwives are quite limited. Aim: The study was conducted to examine the negative experiences and outcomes of midwives. Method: The study was designed with phenomenological design, one of the qualitative research types. The participants consisted of 19 midwives selected by snowball sampling method. Semi-structured, face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted with the participants. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. The data were analysed using an inductive qualitative content analysis approach. In the open coding process, expressions with similar meanings were identified and coded; these codes were divided into categories and subcategories according to their similarities and differences. Themes were formed in line with the relationships between categories. Findings and results: The data obtained were grouped under three main themes. The themes were determined as "(I) negative experiences of midwives, (II) effects of midwives' negative experiences on their professional lives and (III) effects of midwives' negative experiences on their private lives. It was determined that midwives were exposed to mobbing and violence and had team problems. It was determined that they felt dissatisfied and disappointed as a result of the negative experiences they experienced. As a result, it was determined that midwives experienced burnout, secondary trauma, introversion and depression. Suggestions: The sustainability of the midwifery workforce depends largely on improving their well-being and job satisfaction. This can be achieved by creating a positive working environment and implementing practical, long-term solutions. Supporting and advocating for midwives in the workplace by their managers can reduce burnout and dissatisfaction. Improving working conditions; reducing working hours, eliminating staff shortages, increasing wages, ensuring a balanced distribution of work intensity will reduce the intra-team conflict and tension experienced by midwives in their working environment.