Psychological Well-Being and Coping Strategies of Midwives during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia A Qualitative Study

 
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many individuals, including midwives.
 
This study aimed to explore the Indonesian midwives' psychological well-being and to investigate their coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
This qualitative study investigated 10 midwives, from 9 provinces in Indonesia, who provided care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured online interviews were conducted. Prior to the interviews, an online survey was distributed to identify potential participants. The interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
 
This study summarized the midwives' psychological distress and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic, categorizing the information into four themes and fourteen subthemes: (a) “I am worried,” (b) professional and personal responsibilities, (c) coping strategies, and (d) policy and expectations were the main themes emerged.
 
Midwives experienced challenging situations that negatively affected their psychological state, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The biopsychosocial and cultural contexts influenced the midwives' psychological well-being and coping strategies. Midwives should be empowered to prevent and manage their psychological distress, as well as their patients' concerns, during this unprecedented period.