What is the status of the scientific association of midwifery in Iran based on the criteria of the international midwifery confederation?

Abstract

Abstract Background This study aimed to evaluate the Iran Scientific Association of Midwifery (ISAM) using a translated valid version of the Member Association Capacity Assessment tool (MACAT), and also to explain the needs and the related strategies to improve ISAM capacities. Methods This was a mixed sequential explanatory study. The study was performed in three phases. In the first phase, MACAT was translated into Persian and then its validity was assessed. In the second descriptive phase, the capacity of ISAM was assessed by two trained evaluators using MACAT. In the third phase, with a qualitative approach and using a focused group discussion and six in-depth individual interviews with 14 key informants, the demonstrated challenges in the first phase of the study, and the related suggestions for the problem solutions were discussed. The data from the qualitative phase of the study were analyzed using directed qualitative content analysis. Lincoln and Guba’s criteria were used to confirm the trustworthiness of the data. Results In the first phase, the validity of MACAT was shown by S-CVI = 0.91 and I-CVI = 0.89. CVR scores of all items were above 0.62 and acceptable. In the second phase, the evaluation by MACAT showed 88 out of 96 items scored 1. The items which showed poor status were related to advocacy, shortage in resources, low contribution in decision-making in midwifery affairs. In the third phase, 83 codes in the seven dimensions were extracted. Then, 53 actions were proposed for improving ISAM capabilities. Conclusions ISAM is among the most potent member associations of the ICM. The most necessary actions for the ISAM capacity improvement are; considering more independence, paying attention to infrastructure improvement, and defining the mechanisms in communication with the other midwifery-related sectors and potential sponsors; involvement in making macro policies in midwifery affairs.