Introduction: In midwifery, knowledge of female hormones is extremely important, as they
are presented throughout the entire female’sreproductive cycle. They are intensely activated
during the first menstruation. Luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, estrogen
and progesterone are of key importance during menstruation. The latter cause the uttering
lining to thicken and prepare for possible fertilisation. At fertilization, human chorionic
gonadotropin, which is a product of the placenta, and human chorionic somatotropin, which
activates the mammary glands in the breasts, join the group of hormones. In perinatal and
postnatal process, new hormones are reactivated. They are discussed in more detail in the
thesis. These are oxytocin, beta endorphins, catecholamines and prolactin. Purpose: To
determine how well midwifery students know how hormones work during childbirth.
Methods: A descriptive and causally non-experimental method of empirical research was
used. In the theoretical part, a systematic review of professional and scientific literature was
made. In the empirical part, a quantitative method of data collection was used. It was based
on an online questionnaire in the 1KA application. Students of the Midwifery study program
of the Faculty of Health Sciences at University of Ljubljana, who attended first, second or
third year in the 2022/2023 academic year, were included in the research. The survey was
sent to e-mail addresses of the participants. Participation was anonymous and voluntary.
Data collection took place between the 18 April and the 5 July 2023. Results: A total of 56
students (66%) completed the questionnaire, of which 28 were first-year students (50%), 12
were second-year students (21%) and 16 were third-year students (29%). The average result
of the correct answers of all three years in total is 60%. Discussion and conclusion: Students
showed the best knowledge in questions related to beta endorphins (77%). Then oxytocin
followed with 58% and prolactin with 53%. The worst knowledge was shown for
catecholamines (50%). 98% of students believe that knowing how hormones work during
childbirth is important, and a high percentage of them (81%) agree that they did not acquire
enough knowledge about the matter during their studies. For effective health care of women
during childbirth, it is essential that midwifery students understand the function of all the
important hormones that affect childbirth. This enables them to be better prepared for quality
treatment of women and contributes to better birth outcomes.
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