TABLE 1.

Characteristics of Maternal Health Providers From 25 Health Facilities in Malawi

No. (%)
Age, years
    20–29150 (49.7)
    30–39112 (37.1)
    40–4935 (11.6)
    50+5 (1.7)
Sex
    Woman210 (69.5)
    Man92 (30.5)
Provider cadre
    Physician/clinician31 (10.3)
    Registered nurse/midwife72 (23.8)
    Nurse/midwife technician179 (59.3)
    Community midwife assistanta20 (6.6)
Facility type
    Primary health care center76 (25.2)
    Rural/community hospital157 (52.0)
    District/referral hospital39 (22.8)
Number of years as a health professional
    <1 year3 (1.0)
    1–2 years65 (21.5)
    3–5 years135 (44.7)
    6+ years99 (32.8)
Work locationsb,c
    Maternity admission103 (34.1)
    Antenatal ward65 (21.5)
    Postnatal ward101 (33.4)
    Labor and delivery217 (71.9)
    Nursery/newborn unit/KMC unit38 (12.5)
Mental health statusb
    High exhaustion (EE: 22 or higher)91 (30.1)
    High cynicism (DP: 10 or higher)50 (16.6)
    Low professional accomplishment127 (42.1)
    Moderate to severe depression24 (8.0)
    Post-traumatic stress disorder36 (11.9)

  • Abbreviations: DP, depersonalization; EE, emotional exhaustion; KMC, kangaroo mother care; MH, maternal health.

  • ↵a Community midwife assistant is a certificate-level role requiring 18 months post-secondary school training.

  • ↵b Total exceeds 100%.

  • ↵c May work in more than 1 location.