Employment Status of Midwifery Graduates of Babol University of Medical Sciences

Introduction. One of the important economical and social problems of our society is employment situation of higher education graduates which is necessary to consider for the development of future plans. This study aims to determine the employment situation of midwifery graduates in Babol University of Medical Sciences. Methods. In this cross-sectional survey, a questionnaire was sent to all midwifery graduates who had entered the university between 1992-1997 (n=120). A total number of 82 filled questionnaires were returned. The data analysis was done with SPSS-10 software using frequency distribution and Chi2 test. Results. Based on the results, 51.3% of subjects were employed which nearly half of them were spending their mandatory services. Statistical data revealed a significant relationship between the year of graduation and being employed. Twenty two point five percent of employed graduates worked in jobs other than midwifery. Eighty two point nine percent of them were employed at government section, 17.1% at private section and 75.9% of them did not have any office. There was a significant relationship between quota of acceptance to the university and the desire to work in deprived areas. Most midwives did not have any desire to work in the deprived areas, and in the case of having the opportunity to choose again, they would not choose midwifery as their future career. Conclusion. The unemployment rate between midwifery graduates of Babol medical university is high. So, it is recommended to provide them with appropriate job opportunities, and employ young graduates in counseling clinics for maternity care