Understanding public knowledge of midwives among adults in the United Arab Emirates: Findings from a mixed methods survey

BACKGROUND: Misunderstanding of midwives' competencies persists internationally and may hinder implementation of midwifery-led care. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where midwives remain a minority within the maternity workforce, evidence on public knowledge is needed to inform workforce and public education strategies. AIM: To examine knowledge of midwives' professional competencies and workplaces among adults residing in the UAE and identify demographic factors associated with knowledge. METHODS: A bilingual (English/Arabic) online cross-sectional survey was conducted between November 2024 and February 2025. The questionnaire, adapted from the Midwife Profiling Survey (MidProQ), assessed knowledge of midwifery roles and workplaces and included two open-ended questions. Adults (≥18 years) were recruited through social media, WhatsApp networks, and paid Instagram advertisements. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and free-text responses underwent thematic analysis. RESULTS: A total of 208 participants completed the survey (89.9% female; mean age 36.1 ± 6.0 years; 31.7% Emirati). Most recognised that midwives work in the UAE (85.6%), and half had previous exposure to midwifery care. Overall knowledge was good (77.1 ± 16.2%). Awareness was highest for supporting normal birth and breastfeeding, while knowledge gaps remained regarding midwives' autonomy in physiological birth and prescribing authority. Higher knowledge scores were associated with female gender, age 26-39 years, postgraduate education, a healthcare background, and previous exposure to midwifery care (all p < 0.05). Qualitative findings highlighted uncertainty about midwives' roles, autonomy, and public awareness. CONCLUSIONS: Adults residing in the UAE demonstrated generally good knowledge of midwives, but misconceptions about professional autonomy and scope of practice remain. Targeted public education could strengthen understanding of midwifery and support implementation of midwifery-led models of care.