Experiences of mothers with critically ill preterm neonates at Mzuzu central hospital, Malawi
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Date
2020-11-11
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Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
Abstract
Study title: Experiences of mothers with critically ill preterm neonates at Mzuzu Central Hospital.
Type of study: This is a qualitative descriptive study.
Introduction
Annually, about 15 million preterm neonates are born worldwide. The majority (85%) of global
preterm births occur in Asia and Africa. In Malawi, 18.1% of all babies are born preterm and
complications of preterm birth contributes to 33% of neonatal mortality rate (27/1000 live births).
And about 75% of preterm neonates end up being hospitalized in neonatal intensive care unit
(NICU).
Problem
Preterm births are a leading cause of admissions in neonatal care unit at Mzuzu Central Hospital.
Mothers of preterm neonates play a critical role in the care of the preterm baby. However,
information on the mothers’ experiences of having critically ill preterm neonates is scanty.
Therefore, this study seeks to explore the experiences of mothers with critically ill preterm
neonates in neonatal care unit.
Objectives: Main objective of the study is to explore the experiences of mothers with critically ill
preterm neonates at Mzuzu Central Hospital. This study will specifically investigate experiences
of having critically ill preterm neonate, sources of support as well as challenges that the mothers
of critically ill neonates meet as the child is admitted in neonatal care unit.
Methodology
The study will use descriptive qualitative research design to explore the experiences of the mothers
with critically ill preterm neonates at Mzuzu Central Hospital. Fifteen (15) mothers with critically
ill preterm neonates admitted in NCU are expected to be purposively recruited in the study.
However, principle of data saturation will be applied during data collection to determine the sample
size. Data will be collected through face to face in-depth interviews with individual participants.
The interviews will be guided by semi structured interview guide with open ended and probe
questions. Thematic analysis will be used to analyze the qualitative data and the results will be
presented in themes and direct quotations from participants. Tables will also be used to present
demographic data of mothers.
Expected findings and dissemination of results
It is estimated that the current study will find that mothers will have mixed reactions of stress and
joy when caring for their preterm baby. Furthermore, limited access to the baby, lack of adequate
support, lack of accommodation for mothers within the unit are possible challenges that mothers
meet when caring for critically ill preterm neonate.
The study results will be disseminated through a research report. Copies of results will be
submitted to College of Medicine Research and Ethics Committee (COMREC), University of
Malawi Research and Publication Office, KCN library and Mzuzu Central Hospital. The results
will be presented in local and international conferences and seminars. In addition, the study results
will be published in peer reviewed journals.
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Research Subject Categories::MEDICINE