Demographic Factors Associated With Midwives’ Practice of Physiologic Birth in Birthing Facilities in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Background: Physiologic birth is globally recognized for its benefits in promoting maternal and neonatal health through minimal medical intervention. Despite this, the demographic factors influencing midwives’ practice of physiologic birth in low-resource settings such as Bayelsa State, Nigeria, remain underexplored. Aim: This study assessed the level of practice of physiologic birth among midwives and determine the demographic factors associated with their practice in birthing facilities across Bayelsa State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. A total of 618 licensed midwives across nine public birthing facilities participated. Data were collected using the validated Physiological Birth Practice and Outcomes Questionnaire for Midwives (PBPOQM) and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, specifically chi-square tests at a 5% significance level. Findings: Results revealed that 80.4% of midwives demonstrated inadequate practice of physiologic birth. Significant associations were found between physiologic birth practice and demographic factors such as age (p < 0.001), gender (p < 0.001), years of experience (p < 0.001), academic qualification (p < 0.001), type of facility (p < 0.001), and childbirth leadership model (p < 0.001). Midwives aged 40–49 years, those with 16–20 years of experience, higher academic qualifications, working in midwife-led and primary-level facilities exhibited higher levels of physiologic birth practice. Conclusion: The findings highlight a critical practice gap influenced by demographic and institutional factors. Recommendations: Targeted professional development for midwives and the promotion of midwife-led care models are recommended to enhance physiologic birth practices and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes in Bayelsa State.