Knowledge, opinions and expectations of the society about the midwifery profession

Aim: With this study, it is aimed to evaluate the knowledge, opinions and expectations of the society about the midwifery profession. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in June-September 2021 with outpatients at a public hospital in a province in eastern Türkiye with patients receiving outpatient treatment from midwives from the hospital's polyclinics. It was completed with 389 individuals who agreed to participate in the study. It was analyzed with SPSS (ver: 23.0) program. Using descriptive statistical tests the number and frequency distribution of the descriptive characteristics of the individuals participating in the study and the mean, standard deviation, maximum and minimum values of age were calculated. The number and frequency distribution of the information, opinions, and expectations of society about the midwifery profession was determined. Results: It was observed that 37.5% of the participants were male, 62.5% were female, and 63.8% were university graduates. 94.6% said \"Midwifery is a respected profession.\" Yes to the statement, “Midwifery is a profession with a low status.” 86.1% said no to the statement; “The duties of midwives and nurses are the same.” It was observed that 49.4% answered yes and 50.6% answered no to the statement. Conclusion: According to the results obtained from the study, it was determined that the majority of the participants knew the duties and responsibilities of midwives correctly. There is a need for studies that investigate the opinions and thoughts of individuals about the midwifery profession with a bigger audience.