How professional quality of life is influenced by perceptions of empowerment in midwives

Abstract

Introduction Professional quality of life is affected by various factors, such as people's perception of professional empowerment. This study aimed to investigate the role of midwives' personal perception of empowerment in their professional quality of life. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted with 380 midwives providing maternal and neonatal care services across five provinces of Iran. Data were collected using virtual platforms and analysed using descriptive and analytical tests including regression analysis. Results The mean professional quality of life was high (59.7%) in most participants. Midwives' personal perception of empowerment alone predicted 17% of professional quality of life. Conclusions Given midwives' role in maintaining and improving maternal and neonatal outcomes, it is important to devise policies and plans to enhance midwives' perception of empowerment, especially with regards to autonomous practice and management.