A Qualitative Study on Midwifery Staff’s Motivations to Participate in humanitarian Missions in Low-Resource Countries and their Personal and Professional Effects

Background:Non-Governmental Organisations promote international development cooperation and work in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. Various professionals are involved, including midwifes, playing a significant role in improving maternal and newborn health. Aim:The aim of the study is to describe the motivations behind midwives’ decision to cooperate on an international level in low-resource countries, as well as the personal and professional effects after completing the humanitarian mission. Methods: In this study, the researchers followed the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research guideline (SRQR). The study used an interpretive phenomenological approach with 15 participants selected through purposeful and snowball sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. Text analysis was done using the QCAmap software, following the Colaizzi, Streubert, and Carpenter’s methods. Results: Two main motivation categories emerged: Individual-rooted motivations and Desires/expectations.Personal and professional humanitarian work was described as emotionally intense and growth-promoting yet, challenging due to burnout risks and precarious field conditions. Contextspecific limitations urged the midwives to adapt constantly, facing that it is impossible to help everyone. Post-mission reintegration proved difficult, with many finding it easier to return to missions than to process their experiences. Recommendations for readjustment include taking time to process, spending time with supportive people, and psychological support. Conclusions: The mission experience resulted positive, yet the significant emotional and psychological repercussions deserve attention. Returning to the original community often represents a social and professional challenge. Finding strategies to protect the individual during readjustment and redefining the shared vision within healthcare organizations is essential.