Financial hardship and Australian midwifery students: A scoping review and thematic analysis

Problem: Despite the pressing need to grow the Australian midwifery workforce, the rising cost of living is making midwifery education programs unaffordable for many. Understanding of the financial hardships faced by Australian midwifery students is currently limited. Background: Attrition from midwifery programs is high and rising. In Australia, this is further compounded by the financial pressures brought about by the cost-of-living crisis. Attending compulsory unremunerated clinical placements and being ‘on call’ for continuity of care experiences contributes to the financial challenges of midwifery students. Aim: To identify and synthesise available literature addressing financial hardship faced by Australian midwifery students during their studies. Methods: Arksey and O'Malley’s framework guided this scoping review. Six databases were searched between January 2020 and April 2024. The key findings of eight included papers were thematically analysed. Findings: Four themes were identified; “Attending placements and supporting COCE's as key contributors to financial hardship”, “Impacts of financial hardship on midwifery students and their wider family”, “Impacts upon the future growth and diversity of the profession” and “The need for universal financial support”. Discussion: The findings highlight the nature of financial challenges, causational factors and the consequences of financial hardship associated with completing midwifery programs in Australia. Appropriate universal financial support is urgently needed if we are to grow and sustain the midwifery workforce. Conclusion: With no primary studies specifically exploring financial hardship faced by Australian midwifery students, further research is required to understand the challenges they face and evaluate the efficacy of funding initiatives.