Women’s experience of preterm birth in an East African context: A qualitative study
Permanent lenke
https://hdl.handle.net/10037/34952Dato
2024-04-01Type
Journal articleTidsskriftartikkel
Peer reviewed
Forfatter
Habtu, Thomas Asmelash; Pembe, Andrea Barnabas; Chiwanga, Faraja; Odland, Jon Øyvind; Darj, ElisabethSammendrag
Objective: The current study aimed to explore and understand women’s experiences and perceptions regarding giving birth prematurely at the National Hospital of Muhimbili in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Method: A qualitative method, using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis approach was chosen to understand and describe the women’s experiences. A semi-structured guide was used during the interviews. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim.
Findings: Eight in-depth interviews were conducted. The analysis revealed three superordinate themes: (a) Emotional turmoil: unmet expectations shattering maternal identity, emotional distress, and loss of hope; (b) Adapting to preterm birth and challenges: the unexpected situation, lack of proper care, strenuous breastfeeding routines, and socioeconomic challenges; (c) Significance of proper care and emotional support: good maternal care, mother-to-mother and family support.
Conclusion: This study provided a deeper understanding of women’s experiences and perceptions of premature childbirth. The current study indicated the importance of caregivers’ awareness of the women’s emotional distress, their need to adapt to a sudden unexpected situation, and the necessity of emotional support.