Perceptions of young mothers regarding preterm births in selected hospitals in Thulamela Municipality, Limpopo Province

Abstract

Preterm babies are at high risk of medical problems, which makes it hard and stressful for mothers to care for them, thereby predisposing them to psychological problems. The purpose of the study was to determine young mothers' perceptions of preterm births in selected hospitals in Thulamela Municipality, Limpopo Province. A qualitative approach, with exploratory descriptive design, was used. The population involved all mothers who delivered premature babies in the regional and district hospitals of Thulamela municipality. A regional hospital and a district hospital were sampled using non-probability purposive sampling. Participants were sampled using total population sampling, in which 12 young mothers aged 19 to 35 years were selected. Individual interviews were conducted, each session lasted for about 30 to 45 minutes. Interviews were guided by one central question, which states, “May you please share your perceptions regarding preterm births?” A voice recorder was used to capture responses, with participants’ permission and probing was done to get deep responses. Data were analyzed using Tesch’s eight steps of qualitative data analysis. Ethical considerations were observed. Measures to ensure trustworthiness were applied through credibility, dependability, confirmability and transferability. The findings presented using themes and subthemes. Themes that emerged were young mothers preterm perceived causes on their preterm birth experience, Mothers' emotional well-being negatively affected by preterm birth, Adaptations to preterm birth and Mothers' post-delivery trauma experience. Recommendations included empowerment of pregnant women and midwives regarding prematurity. Mothers who gave birth to premature babies should receive psychological counselling. Future research should be conducted focusing on the mental health of parents and close family members faced with prematurity.