Abstract: Objective: To investigate the core competence of midwives in Yunnan province and analyze the influencing factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 535 midwives from 29 hospitals in Yunnan province was conducted by midwife core competency scale. Results: The total core competence of midwives was 3.99±0.58, and the scores of postpartum and pregnancy health care were 4.09±0.66 and 4.05±0.61, respectively. The lowest score was pre-pregnancy health care 3.76±0.66. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the duration of midwifery practice, nationality, training methods and training duration of midwifery were influencing factors of core competency of midwives (P<0.05). Conclusion: The core competence of midwives in Yunnan province needs to be improved. The national characteristics should be fully considered. The core competence of midwives in Yunnan province can be improved comprehensively with training programs.

Key words: Yunnan; nurse midwives; core competence; human resource