Student Midwives' understanding of anti-racist behaviours and cultural competency

Wilkinson, Liberty, Carless, Lavinia, Oduola, Sheri, Mahumud, Hafsa, Sanders, Ruth, Waterfall, Katherine and Jong, Stephanie T. (2025) Student Midwives' understanding of anti-racist behaviours and cultural competency. British Journal of Midwifery, 33 (10). pp. 540-549. ISSN 0969-4900

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Abstract

Background/Aims: High maternal mortality for women from ethnic minorities has been partly attributed to a lack of education and training in cultural competency. This study’s aim was to examine student midwives’ perception of cultural awareness, knowledge, skills and comfort in caring for patients and families from diverse populations. Methods: A modified clinical cultural competency questionnaire was completed by 143 student midwives at 49 UK universities. The data were analysed using descriptive inferential statistics, multivariable linear regression and thematic analysis. Findings: Overall, 93% of participants classified anti-racism training as ‘very important’, although 89.5% reported no awareness of resources to support understanding of anti-racist behaviours. Black Caribbean/African students were more likely to report higher cultural competency compared with White British students. Conclusions: This study demonstrated training gaps in UK midwifery education in relation to cultural competency. Greater efforts are needed to ensure a workforce that provides equitable care and reduces health inequalities. Implications for practice: Midwifery educators should be trained to facilitate cultural competency and anti-racist conversations and educate students holistically. They also need to be aware of how to use reflection tools and inclusive training. Training should be part of continued professional development for midwives throughout their career.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: anti-racism,cultural competency,curriculum,education,health inequalities,training,training,education,health inequalities,curriculum,cultural competency,maternity and midwifery,sdg 3 - good health and well-being ,/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2900/2913
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Health Sciences
UEA Research Groups: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Mental Health and Social Care (fka Lifespan Health)
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Health Promotion
Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Norwich Epidemiology Centre
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Norwich Epidemiology Centre
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Public Health
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Depositing User: LivePure Connector
Date Deposited: 16 Feb 2026 15:30
Last Modified: 22 Feb 2026 07:30
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/101956
DOI: 10.12968/bjom.2025.0025

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