Job satisfaction of Japanese midwives in the Tokyo metropolitan area

INTRODUCTION We explore job satisfaction among Japanese midwives working in different institutions within the Tokyo metropolitan area and relate this to midwives' age. METHODS The study involved a questionnaire survey of 423 midwives working in 113 general hospitals, 70 clinics, and 58 midwifery centers in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area of Japan. The questionnaire consisted of items related to demographic and job satisfaction. Questionnaires were returned by 199 participants (47%). RESULTS Of the 199 midwives, 142 worked in general hospitals (71%), 26 worked in maternity clinics ( 13%), and 31 worked in midwifery centers ( 16%). Factor analysis extracted six job satisfaction factors labelled as: F1 `midwifery services', F2 `interpersonal relations', F3 `rewarding and autonomy', F4 `working environment', F5 `working conditions', and F6 `collaboration with doctors'. Job satisfaction scores for all factors were the highest among midwives working in midwifery centers, followed by those working in maternity clinics and hospitals. Job satisfaction of F1 and F3 of those working in midwifery centers was significantly higher than those working in hospitals and maternity clinics for the younger age group, while the scores of those working in maternity clinics became higher and closer to those working in midwifery centers for other age groups. CONCLUSIONS Job satisfaction of midwives varies by different institutions, particularly lowest for those working in hospitals than those working in midwifery clinics and centers. It is necessary to devise useful strategies for midwives in hospitals to enhance their satisfaction with midwifery services and to feel rewarded by and autonomy at work.