September 2021, we published the first research of it’s kind to explore Problematic Substance use in midwifery populations. The maternity and midwifery forum kindly shared our blog about this here.

 Main findings as follows:

• Just over ¼ of our sample (623 midwives) screened positive for problematic Substance use (alcohol and a range of restricted drugs).

• Problematic substance use occurred reportedly in response to work-related stress and anxiety, bullying, traumatic clinical incidents and maintenance of overall functioning

• While 11% of those affected indicated they had sought help, 27% felt they should seek help but did not

• Barriers to help-seeking included fear of repercussions, shame, stigma, practicalities and a perceived lack of support either available or required

• 10% of the sample reported they had attended work under the influence of alcohol, and 6% under the influence of drugs other than tobacco or those as prescribed to them.

• 37% indicated concern about a colleague’s substance use.

This is only the beginning and there is lots more work to be done. Follow the project page for this here.

Until next time…Look after yourselves and each other 

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