Challenges, roles, and capacity of midwives in providing maternal health services in public health facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A qualitative analysis

This qualitative facility-based cross-sectional study aimed to characterize the roles and challenges faced by midwives in delivering maternal health services in Addis Ababa. Conducted from September 1, 2023, to January 30, 2024, the study involved 15 midwives working across five hospitals and ten health centers. Data were transcribed and analyzed using Atlas.ti version 23. Findings revealed significant challenges, including high stress levels in 80% of participants, with 70% expressing a lack of confidence in specific skills such as emergency care and postpartum support. Key themes identified include the types of maternal services provided, the psychological impact of workplace dynamics, and the necessity for enhanced training programs. This study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to support midwives, thereby improving maternal and newborn care quality in public health facilities.