The Experiences of Mothers during the Hospitalisation of Their Low Birth Weight Babies in Neonatal Unit at Windhoek Central Hospital Windhoek Khomas Region Namibia
The purpose of this study was to explore and
describe the experience of mothers during the hospitalisation of their low
birth weight (LBW) babies in neonatal unit Windhoek Central Hospital, Khomas
region, Namibia. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design
was employed. The data was collected through in-depth interviews conducted at
neonatal unit of Windhoek Central Hospital, with the permission from the
Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS). A sample of ten (10) mothers
was selected with the means of purposive sampling. Informed consent was obtained
from the participants and interviews were tape recorded, with the permission
from the participants. Different communication skills were used to encourage
participants to verbalize their experiences. Data was transcribed verbatim and
was analyzed according to Tesch’s eight steps of analyzing qualitative data
that led to the formation of themes and sub-themes.
The study results gave insight into emotional reactions, various supports,
challenges experienced by the mothers and also the wishes they expressed. Based
on the study finding, the
researcher recommended an establishment of a rooming-in space for the mothers,
establishment of high care neonatal units in hospitals outside Windhoek,
implementation of improved breastfeeding programme, psychosocial care and
lastly further research.
Cite this paper
Shiweda, N. A. and Amukugo, H. J. (2018). The Experiences of Mothers during the Hospitalisation of Their Low Birth Weight Babies in Neonatal Unit at Windhoek Central Hospital Windhoek Khomas Region Namibia. Open Access Library Journal, 5, e4402. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1104402.
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