فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

Background: Inclusive maternity care is critical for achieving equitable health outcomes, particularly in remote regions where access and cultural barriers persist. Midwifery education plays a central role in preparing students to deliver such care; however, comparative evidence between diploma and undergraduate programs in Indonesia remains limited.Objectives: This study aimed to compare final-year diploma and undergraduate midwifery students’ perceptions of inclusive maternity care in Southwest Papua.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between June 2024 and January 2025 among 143 students (68 diploma, 75 undergraduate) selected via stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire that assessed inclusivity across six domains: accessibility, equality and non-discrimination, respect and dignity in care, effective communication, patient-centred care, and cross-sectoral collaboration. Data were analyzed with independent t-tests and chi-square tests.Results: Undergraduate students demonstrated significantly higher scores in understanding (mean 4.2 vs. 3.8, P=0.02) and preparedness (mean 4.0 vs. 3.7, P=0.04) for inclusive care, whereas diploma students more frequently reported limited hands-on training as a primary barrier (73.5% vs. 60.0%, P=0.04). No significant differences were observed across the six domains, though both groups identified communication -particularly with patients with disabilities- as the weakest aspect, with agreement rates of 62.7% (undergraduate) and 55.9% (diploma).Conclusion: Educational level influences students’ readiness but does not significantly affect overall attitudes toward inclusivity. Enhancing practical exposure, disability-sensitive communication skills, and institutional support is essential to translating inclusive maternity care policies into practice in Indonesia’s underserved regions.