Probable posttraumatic stress disorder among Australian midwives: Prevalence and risk factors

23^rd World Nursing and Healthcare Conference

July 10-12, 2017 Berlin, Germany

Julia Leinweber, Debra Creedy, Heather Rowe and Jenny Gamble

Protestant University of Applied Science Berlin, Germany
Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Nurs Care

Abstract :

Background: Midwives are frequently exposed to traumatic birth events. There is a growing body of evidence that posttraumatic stress is a risk of exposure to birth trauma among maternity professionals. Posttraumatic stress may affect midwives� professional functioning and thus reduce the quality of midwifery care. Little is known about specific risk factors for the development of posttraumatic stress among midwives. Main Objective: To identify prevalence and risk factors for probable PTSD among Australian midwives. Methods: A national internet survey of Australian midwives registered with the Australian College of Midwives was conducted between March and June 2014. Trauma symptoms were assessed with the PTSD Symptom Scale Self Report (PSS-SR). Probable PTSD was assessed as meeting DSM IV PTSD diagnostic criteria B, C and D (a score of at least 'one' on the four point frequency scale for a minimum of one intrusion, three avoidance and two arousal symptoms) and a total PSS-SR score �14. Personal, trauma event-related and environmental risk factors were assessed using multivariate analysis. Preliminary Results: 707 surveys were completed (estimated recruitment fraction 15.4%). The prevalence of probable PTSD was 17% (n=102) (95% CI 14.2, 20.0). Multivariate analysis identified three factors independently associated with probable PTSD; each factor more than doubled the risk for probable PTSD: (1) feelings of horror during the traumatic birth event witnessed (AOR=2.57, 95% CI 1.20, 5.51); (2) feelings of guilt associated with the traumatic birth event (AOR=2.14, 95% CI 1.12, 4.08) and (3) a personal history of a traumatic experience when giving birth (AOR=2.12, 95% CI 1.24, 3.64). Conclusions: Almost one fifth of Australian midwives meet criteria for probable PTSD. Posttraumatic stress in midwives should be acknowledged as occupational stress by health services and professional associations. Trauma informed care and practise (TICP), which acknowledges and responds to the impact of trauma among women and their care providers, are recommended.