Stress among midwifery students in real clinical environment

Information for nursing staff, 2026, 58(1), 24-30.

D. Ruschkova, M. Vladimirova, Z. Nikolova, A. Petrova, L. Georgieva

Department of Midwifery Care, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University – Plovdiv

Abstract. Introduction: With the advancements in medical science and the evolution of contemporary so­ciety, the demands placed upon the profession of midwifery are progressively intensifying. The role of the midwife is becoming increasingly autonomous, thereby necessitating the acquisition of new skills and knowl­edge to meet the evolving challenges of the field. This reality compels continuous renewal of educational curricula and programs, alongside heightened expectations for students pursuing this specialization. During their training, prospective midwives are immersed in real clinical environments, confronting challenges and stressful situations that arise throughout their clinical activity. The stress experienced by students during their education at medical universities has garnered significant scholarly interest. Investigating stress among mid­wifery students is crucial for identifying effective strategies for its management within professional contexts, ultimately contributing to the development of more resilient and competent healthcare practitioners. Аim: This study aims to evaluate stress levels among midwifery students within a real clinical environment. Materials and Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional, socio-medical survey was conducted utilizing a structured, standardized, and modified online questionnaire to assess stress levels experienced by midwifery students during their clinical practice. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), a well-established instrument for measuring perceived stress, was employed for data collection. The study encompassed 63 students enrolled in the sec­ond, third, and fourth years of the Midwifery program at the Medical University of Plovdiv, Faculty of Public Health, Department of Obstetric Care. The research covered a six-month period from December 2023 to May 2024. Results: The findings confirmed a concerning prevalence of moderate stress levels among students when performing clinical tasks and interacting with patients in a hospital setting. Conclusions: The present investigation reveals that a significant proportion of midwifery students experience moderate stress, with a smaller subset exhibiting high levels of anxiety. Most respondents reported no serious family issues within the past six months, and many denied having any adverse experience during their clinical training. Nevertheless, some students reported sleep disturbances and resorted to anti-stress measures. Elevated stress levels were notably associated with negative emotions and strained relationships with educators, emphasizing the necessity for enhanced support from clinical mentors. The study advocates for the implementation of stress management programs within medical education and calls for further research into stress and depression among students across all medical disciplines in Bulgaria.

Key words: midwifery, clinical environment, clinical practice, healthcare facilities, education, stress, students

Address for correspondence: Darina Ruschukova, email: Darina.Ruschukova@mu-plovdiv.bg