Experiences of Mothers of Neonates Born with Gastroschisis in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Kenyatta National Hospital: A PhenomeHlogical Study
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Date
2023-11
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Kenyatta university
Abstract
The researcher carried out research on experiences of mothers with neonates born with gastroschisis in Kenyatta National Hospital and admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The research focused on the lived experiences of mothers with neonates born with gastroschisis, the mental symptoms given by the mothers and the support needed by these mothers.The study employed phenomenological descriptive research design. The study assessed mothers whose neonates were admitted was conducted in the NICU at Kenyatta National Hospital. Purposive sampling technique was used to interview twenty-five (25) mothers. Primary data was collected using the semi-structured interview guide. The refined qualitative data was manually analysed. Data collected was transcribed verbatim and coded using structured code book. Thematic analysis was done inductively. The collected data was then developed into themes and subthemes then analysed.Data was presented using tables. The research indicated that mothers were positive about their pregnancies and attended antenatal clinics, mental symptoms exhibited by these mothers due to the nature of the neonates and the kind of support they needed from family and health care providers. The study found that there was both positive and negative relationship between mothers and healthcare providers. It was also found that mental symptoms led to fatigue. The study found that mothers experienced support from spouses, family members, health care givers and peers.The study concluded Prenatal Experiences of Mothers with neonates with gastroschisis was positive and majority of them were happy that they were pregnant and were ready to follow doctors' guidelines throughout the period. Postnatally, the mothers experienced various mental challenges due to inadequate support from close family members and inadequate information about the condition before their children were born. They too were unprepared to deal with the stress and difficulties related to the children's disease. Majority of the mothers received support from the family members and fellow mothers with similar experiencesA more thorough prenatal screening is recommended to assist in the early detection of such congenital disorders, which can direct birth preparations for the mother and child.Healthcare providers should consider the mental health of the mothers with neonates born with congenital anomalies other than concentrating on the neonates alone.To assist in easing the mental and emotional strain placedspit on parents, hoal staff should provide professional counselling. They should also encourage peer counselling from among mothers.
Description
Research Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Degree of Masters of Science (In Critical Care Nursing) in the School of Health Sciences of Kenyatta University, November 2023.
supervisors:
1.Sarah Bett
2.Grace Gichuiri