Experiences of Mothers in Caring for Their Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia at Pediatric Unit
Keywords:
experience, infant care, Bronchopulmonary dysplasiaAbstract
Objective: To describe the experiences of mothers caring for their infants with Bronchopulmonary dysplasia in the pediatric ward of a hospital in the northern region.
Method: This qualitative study involved 11 mothers purposively selected from the caregivers of infants with Bronchopulmonary dysplasia who were admitted to the pediatric ward of a hospital in the northern region. Data were collected between January 2025 to March 2025. Data were collected using in-depth interviews, observation, and tape recordings. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the Colaizzy method.
Results: The experiences of mothers caring for infants with Bronchopulmonary dysplasia comprised three main themes: 1.The meaning of Bronchopulmonary dysplasia: This included premature birth, inability to breathe independently, the need for prolonged mechanical ventilation, multiple systemic complications, a high risk of mortality, and the condition’s impact on the entire family’s way of life. 2. Feelings about caring for an infant with Bronchopulmonary dysplasia, consisting of three dimensions: 1) Physical dimension: fatigue, exhaustion, and the need to provide constant care. 2) Psychosocial dimension: stress, anxiety about the illness, and fear of the infant’s death. 3) Spiritual dimension: finding meaning in life, hope, and inner strength to cope with the suffering caused by the infant’s illness. 3. Needs for support from the healthcare team: These included informational support regarding the illness and infants care, knowledge, training in caregiving skills, emotional support, and financial assistance.
Conclusion: The findings of this study can be used to guide guidelines for maternal preparation, discharge planning, and continued home care for infants with Bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Keywords: experience, infant care, Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
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