Decision making and problem-solving skills of midwifery students in Turkey

Objective: This descriptive study was undertaken to assess the change in decision-making and problem-solving skills of a group of Turkish midwifery students across a 4-year educational course and according to age groups. Methods: The study sample consisted of 296 students. Subjects were given DMQ I-II (Melbourne Decision Making Scale I and II) and PSI (Problem Solving Inventory) questionnaires to examine the effect of age and education on decision-making and problem solving skills. Results: DMQ I-TI total and PSI subscale scores were in the intermediate range, with no significant difference between age groups in terms of self-esteem, DMQ-II and PSI scores. However, significantly higher self-esteem scores were observed for 4th grade students as compared to 1st and 3rd grade students, and 4th grade students had better PSI scores. In addition, higher self-esteem and vigilance type decision making was associated with better PSI scores. Conclusion: Our results suggest a room for improvement in self-esteem, decision-making style, and problem-solving skills of this group of midwifery students.