Stress and burnout in Canadian midwives

Abstract

Although there is a recognized need to grow midwifery in Canada, Canadian midwives face a number of unique challenges that may exacerbate their levels of stress and burnout, and negatively influence their experience of work-life balance. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 6 midwives and 3 subject matter experts to provide context for a valid national survey instrument. I tested the relationship among 6 categories of occupational stressors with strain, burnout, and work-life balance, as well as the buffering role of perceived job control and support variables using a national sample of 233 midwives. Results show that job control, social support, the quality of midwives' relationships, role conflict, and compensation are important predictors of strain, burnout, and work-life balance in Canadian midwives. Results are mixed regarding the buffering role of perceived job control and support variables. These findings have practical implications for Canadian midwives and theoretical implications for occupational stress research.