Self-Reported Level of Cultural Competence of Midwives in the North-West Province of South Africa

Abstract

Introduction: Limited research on cultural competence in nursing, midwifery, and education exists within low- and middle-income countries such as South Africa (SA). This study aimed to describe midwives’ self-reported levels of cultural competence toward women receiving maternal care. Methodology: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey design and an all-inclusive sample of (N = 104; n = 82) midwives yielded a 79% response rate. Data were collected using the Transcultural Self-Efficacy Tool (TSET) questionnaire. Participants included midwives recruited from maternity units of five hospitals in South Africa: different hospitals that included one large district, two regional, and two tertiary hospitals in the North-West Province of SA. An all-inclusive sample of (N = 104; n = 82) midwives participated, representing a 79% response rate. Results: Midwives reported an overall moderate level of competence regarding their knowledge and understanding of cultural factors; it was concerning that their confidence in interviewing patients from different cultural backgrounds on factors such as acculturation and worldview were the lowest. Discussion: To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this was the first study to assess the cultural competence of midwives in SA using TSET. The study highlighted the need for midwives’ training to improve their cultural competence.