Abstract
Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the provision of healthcare services worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate midwives' knowledge, anxiety, and stress levels during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey. Methods: This descriptive, online, cross-sectional study consisted of 369 midwives. Study data were collected using socio-demographic data collection form, COVID-19 knowledge assessment form, StateTrait Anxiety Inventory-I, and COVID-19 transmission fear and stress level assessment forms between May-August 10, 2020. Results: Of the midwives, 45.5% stated that the unit they work in has changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and 67.2% stated a change in their working system. In the institution where 50.7% of midwives work, there was no protocol for the management of pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum processes in COVID-19 positive women, and in the institution where 59.3% of them work, there was no isolation room for safe delivery of pregnant women with COVID-19 carrier risk. Educational level, work shift, and family type affected midwives" knowledge levels. Discussion and Conclusions: The knowledge level of midwives about COVID-19 was found to be high, but the work shifts of midwives affect their knowledge about COVID-19. It is recommended to prevent midwives from working for long hours and working in clinics outside of their fields to protect their health and workforce.