Exploring midwives' experiences of workplace adversity and resilience in northern Nigeria: a constructivist grounded theory

Musa Abdul, Halima 2021. Exploring midwives' experiences of workplace adversity and resilience in northern Nigeria: a constructivist grounded theory. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Background This thesis reports on a study that explored midwives' experiences of workplace adversity and resilience in tertiary hospitals in Northern Nigeria. Previous research exploring midwifery resilience had been limited to high-income countries. The Nigerian context has particular workplace features, including high levels of maternal and infant mortality, shortage of midwifery workforce and a high prevalence of stress among midwives. Understanding more about why and how some midwives are able to withstand workplace adversity and remain positive and motivated could benefit the midwifery profession in Nigeria by enhancing staff retention. The study aimed to generate a theory of midwives’ workplace adversity and resilience. Methodology and Methods This research used a constructivist grounded theory approach. Interviews were conducted in two phases with practising midwives working in maternity units of two tertiary health institutions. Purposive sampling, followed by theoretical sampling, was used to select participants. Semi-structured face to face interviews were conducted over a nine-month period with concurrent data analysis. Flexible guides were developed for the interview and the research questions. A total of 34 interviews were conducted with twenty participants. Field diaries and notes were utilised for additional data. Categorising of interview transcripts was supported by NVivo 12. Results The key findings were that significant adversity was caused by: severe lack of human and material resources, attending to traumatic births and relational challenges. The major resilient strategies included: using improvisations, drawing on spirituality, having a sense of purpose linked to calling and vocation, and building interpersonal relationships. From these insights, the theory of midwives’ workplace adversity and resilience was developed. Conclusion Urgent attention needs to be paid to all the significant sources of adversity identified, as the retention of midwives within their workplaces is essential in order for Nigeria to improve its high maternal and infant mortality rates. Improved ways of supporting staff should be identified and education about building resilience and respectful maternity care should be introduced.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Healthcare Sciences
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	16 November 2021
Last Modified:	14 Dec 2022 03:15
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/145524

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