Perceptions and Challenges of Mothers With Preterm Babies in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Tikur Anbesa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2025: Qualitative Study
| dc.contributor.advisor | Habtamu Abera and Yosief Tsige | |
| dc.contributor.author | Tihitina Mulugeta | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-06-22T15:39:47Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-06-22T15:39:47Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-05-08 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Background: Mothers who experience preterm delivery express feelings of failure and inadequacy, as they perceive an inability to carry their pregnancy to full term and to defend their babies from damage and distress. Most of them suffered emotional stress because of their lack of preparation for the premature birth and the uncertainty surrounding the newborn's survival and longevity. Objectives: To explore the perceptions and challenges of mothers having preterm newborns in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Tikur Anbesa Specialized Hospital Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Methods: A descriptive phenomenological study design was conducted among 10 mothers of preterm babies at Tikur Anbesa Specialized Hospital from Jan 20 to Feb 20, 2025. Purposive sampling technique was used to select study participants. Open-ended interview guide was used for collecting data. The interview was audio recorded, transcribed, and translated to English. The transcript was imported to Atlas.ti 25 qualitative data analysis software for coding. Finally, Colaizzi's 7-step approach to inductive thematic analysis of the results was used. Trustworthiness was ensured by implementing Lincoln and Guba criteria of credibility, transferability, dependability, and conformability. Result: Mother recognized preterm babies by gestational age and physical characteristics. As babies born early, nine months before, and small in size, they have underdeveloped organs and reduced alertness. Mothers described the experience of preterm birth as a sudden, overwhelming, and emotionally traumatic event, often accompanied by negative emotions like feelings of fear, sadness, worries, and hopelessness. Many perceived that preterm babies might not survive. During their stay in the NICU, these mothers faced numerous challenges, including a lack of adequate counseling, scarce resources, and the unfamiliar and intimidating environment of the NICU. They emphasized the need for both emotional and practical support from healthcare providers, family members, and community. Conclusion and recommendation: Mother’s perception of preterm babies is, in itself, a source of emotional distress in the NICU, alongside unexpected early birth, early separation from their baby, and uncertainty about survival. Strengthening emotional support, improving hospital facilities, counseling services and raising awareness are vital to reduce stress and promote better outcomes. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/8379 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Addis Ababa University | |
| dc.subject | Mothers’ perceptions | |
| dc.subject | Preterm | |
| dc.subject | Neonates | |
| dc.subject | challenges | |
| dc.subject | Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. | |
| dc.title | Perceptions and Challenges of Mothers With Preterm Babies in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Tikur Anbesa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2025: Qualitative Study | |
| dc.type | Thesis |