The College of Nursing at the University of Baghdad hosted the defense of a Master’s thesis in the Continuing Education Hall by researcher Tamara Ahmed Abbas, titled (Midwives’ Perceptions and Barriers to Perineal Protection Practices and Episiotomy Decision-Making), supervised by Prof. Dr. Hawraa Hussein Ghafel.
The study primarily aimed to assess the perceptions, perceived barriers, and clinical practices of nurse-midwives regarding perineal protection techniques and clinical decision-making concerning episiotomy, alongside identifying the organizational and environmental factors influencing the quality of these clinical decisions within maternal healthcare institutions.
The findings highlighted the critical importance of midwives’ awareness of modern preventive approaches to perineal care and the necessity of rationalizing unnecessary surgical interventions. The results also underscored significant workplace challenges and clinical barriers that may impede the optimal implementation of evidence-based nursing and midwifery practices in delivery rooms.
Based on the research outcomes, the study recommended strengthening continuous professional training programs for midwives, providing institutional support to mitigate clinical workplace constraints, and reinforcing adherence to evidence-based obstetric guidelines and protocols within healthcare facilities to enhance maternal safety and elevate the quality of maternity care services.
Following an in-depth scientific discussion, the thesis was awarded an “Excellence” (Distinction) grade.
The outcomes of this research align closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) prioritized by the College of Nursing at the University of Baghdad—particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 5 (Gender Equality)—by advancing maternal health outcomes, reducing surgical complications associated with childbirth, and ensuring safe, high-quality healthcare for women.
