title: Self-reported preparation of Polish midwives for independent performance of prophylactic activities within the scope of women's diseases and obstetric pathologies.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of the study is an attempt to recognize self-reported preparation of midwives for an independent performance of prophylactic activities within the scope of women's diseases and obstetric pathologies.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was conducted in a representative all-Polish population sample of 3,569 midwives, by the method of a diagnostic survey using a questionnaire technique. The research instrument was a questionnaire form designed by the author containing items concerning the characteristics of respondents and the object of the study, constructed based on the 5-point Liker scale. The relationships between the variables were verified using chi-square test (χ(2)) of independence. The p values p<0.05 were considered statistically significant.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Analysis of results allows the presumption that in the opinions of midwives the majority of them are prepared for the independent performance of prophylactic activities in the area of women's diseases (84.28%) and obstetric pathologies (77.95%). However, nearly every tenth midwife, irrespective of the region of Poland where she lives, age, and participation in post-graduate training, is not prepared for an independent performance of the prevention of women's diseases. In turn, the lack of preparation for carrying out prevention of women's diseases was admitted mainly by midwives from the northern and central regions of Poland, aged 31-40, possessing post-secondary school education, who did not participate in any form of post-graduate training.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of studies and analysis of the relevant literature indicate that it is necessary for midwives to improve their qualifications in the area of prophylaxis of women's diseases and obstetric pathologies through participation in various forms of post-graduate education.
authors: Independent Practical Obstetric Skills Unit, Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences Medical University, Lublin, Poland.
authors: Grażyna J
authors: GJ
authors: Iwanowicz-Palus
authors: Independent Practical Obstetric Skills Unit, Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences Medical University, Lublin, Poland.
authors: Ewa
authors: E
authors: Rzońca
authors: Independent Practical Obstetric Skills Unit, Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences Medical University, Lublin, Poland.
authors: Agnieszka
authors: A
authors: Bień
authors: Department of Health Informatics and Statistics, Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland, Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology, University of Economics and Innovation, Lublin, Poland.
authors: Anna
authors: A
authors: Włoszczak-Szubzda
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008880:Midwifery / Q000592:standards; D011044:Poland; D011247:Pregnancy; D011361:Professional Competence; D057566:Self Report