Exploring the conceptualization of strengthening the quality of midwifery education: A constructivist grounded theory study

Strengthening the quality of midwifery education to international standards is necessary to prepare the midwifery workforce that can improve poor maternal and neonatal health. Unfortunately, Nigeria, with 1 047 deaths per 100 000 live births, is among the three countries identified as contributing extremely highly to maternal mortality rates, after South Sudan and Chad. This study’s aim was to explore the conceptualisation of strengthening midwifery education quality in Nigeria. A Grounded Theory (GT) methodology following social constructivism paradigm was utilised to explore the conceptualisation of strengthening midwifery education quality in Nigeria. Purposive and theoretical sampling were implemented to select key informants with a focus on theoretical saturation. The participants were twenty-two midwifery educators, eighteen clinical preceptors, eighteen newly graduated midwives and seventy-two midwifery students. Strengthening the quality of midwifery education emerged as the core phenomenon within the context of midwifery education in Nigeria. The categories that make up the core phenomenon are curriculum reform, effective leadership and good governance, capacity building, an enabling environment, and the creation of a midwifery association. Based on the study’s findings, it is evident that strengthening the quality of midwifery education is critical to improve maternal and child health, especially in poorly resourced countries like Nigeria. Strengthening the quality of midwifery education will be realized by strengthening the capacity for each of the identified categories of the core phenomenon. This highlights the need for urgent attention and action from policymakers, administrators, midwifery educators, and other relevant stakeholders.