Midwifery Students' Experiences in Learning Pelvic Anatomy and Childbirth Mechanisms: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Objective: To explore students learning experiences toward pelvic anatomy and the mechanism of labor. Methods: The research design is qualitative with a descriptive phenomenological approach, utilizing the framework of the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research: A Synthesis of Recommendations. The study involved 10 participants, including 8 midwifery students and 2 lecturers in charge. Informant recruitment was conducted by using purposive sampling. Data analysis was conducted using Collaizi's framework, which involves familiarization, identifying relevant statements, formulating meanings, clustering themes, developing detailed descriptions, constructing the fundamental structure of statements, and final validation. Results: The analysis identified two main themes: the components of the pelvic bones and the labor process. Informants reported that the learning process provided them with an understanding of labor, which facilitated their clinical practice. Conclusion: Students faced several challenges during the learning process, particularly in comprehending pelvic anatomy and the mechanism of labor. They made significant efforts to seek additional learning resources and expressed a desire for a digital learning application featuring animations, images, and detailed explanations of pelvic anatomy and the labor mechanism.