Experiences of midwives and midwifery students with workplace violence: an Italian survey

ABSTRACT

Objective. Workplace violence (WPV) is a serious global issue affecting healthcare professionals. Since research about its effects on midwives and midwifery students is limited, this study aimed to assess the extent, characteristics and consequences of WPV experienced by both group during their clinical placements and professional practice.

Patients and Methods. An anonymous online survey was distributed via email to all members of Local Midwifery Boards and all midwifery students in Italy. A total of 1059 eligible respondents participated: 687 registered midwives and 372 midwifery students. The questionnaire investigated personal experiences of WPV, including type, context, perpetrators and consequences.

Results. Overall, 45% of midwives and 27% of students reported being victims of WPV, primarily in the form of verbal abuse. Violence was primarily verbal (99% among midwives and 100% among students). Midwives identified as the main perpetrators the women’s partners or other family members (65.4%), patients (21.9%), and physicians/residents (29.1%). Midwifery students experienced violence mostly from supervising midwives (40.2%) or other midwives (56.8%). Reporting rates were low (36.6% of midwives and 36.3% of students). Many reported negative impacts on motivation and caregiving gratification. The main consequences of WPV included decreased job satisfaction (42.5% of midwives and 44.1% of students) and thoughts of resignation or leaving the course (27.1% of midwives and 22.5 % of students).

Conclusions. Our findings highlight the high exposure of midwives and midwifery students to workplace violence in Italy. Future research is needed to better understand this phenomenon and to support the implementation of uniform policies and prevention strategies.