Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: February | Volume: 9 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 128-138
Reducing the Effects of Maternal Death: Midwives’ Strategies
Anita Fafa Dartey1, Deliwe Rene Phetlhu2, Ellemes Phuma-Ngaiyaye3
1Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana, PMB 31, Ho, Volta Region-Ghana
2Associate Professor, School of Nursing, University of the Western Cape, South Africa
3Lecturer, Department of Nursing & Midwifery, Mzuzu University, Malawi.
Corresponding Author: Anita Fafa Dartey
ABSTRACT
The ability to cope and adapt in a stressful work environment is a sign of good mental health. Some work environments are challenging and the individual employee is expected to take responsibility for his/her safety, whether physical or psychological. Coping and adaptation are functional roles for all humans, and are important for survival and well-being of every individual. Naturally, midwives working in challenging environment would employ some strategies to help them cope with the effects of maternal deaths. However, literature has little on the coping strategies adopted by midwives in the Ashanti Region of Ghana to deal with the effects of maternal deaths. Therefore, this article highlights the coping strategies adopted by midwives to mitigate the effects of maternal deaths and how they adapt to their work environment.
A qualitative research approach, with an exploratory descriptive design was employed in the study. Purposive sampling was utilized in selecting 18 ward supervisors and 39 ward-based midwives as they met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews and focus group discussions. The Thematic Content Analysis was used to manage data through transcribing, organizing, development of categories and the coding of data. Final data management was assisted by qualitative computer data analysis package (Atlas ti version 7.1.7). Two main themes and six sub-themes emerged from the study. The major themes are: informal strategies and systemic support system using maternal death review/audit. It is recommended that, hospitals should provide counselling services through employee assistance programme to facilitate coping with maternal deaths.
Key words: Coping strategies, wellbeing, adaptation, midwives and maternal deaths