Experiences of parents od premature infants hospitalized in neonatal intensive care unit before and during the pandemic

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background & Aims: Studies on the experience of parents of premature infants hospitalized in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are scarce in North European and Eastern Mediterranean countries. We explored the experience of parents of premature infants hospitalized in NICU before and during the pandemic, with focus on the impact of hospitalization on them and their coping strategies. Methods: A qualitative methodology based on deductive content analysis in eleven parents was applied. Individual, online, semi-structured interviews were conducted (June-October 2021). Results: The following themes were identified: Challenging conditions during hospitalization & environment of the NICU; Challenging experiences and support received from nurses; Participants’ traumatic experiences; Mother-participants’ pre-partum and post-partum mental status; Promoting physical contact between parents and infants; Internal coping strategies: Positive thinking and hope; External supportive systems. Themes related to the pandemic were: Protective measures and supportive staff behaviors; Exclusion of father participants from visiting the infant. Specifically, infant hospitalization in NICU was experienced by the participants through a continuum, ranged from challenging and demanding to traumatic experiences, bringing up conflicting emotions. The participants received support from their partner, family, social network, peers and NICU health professionals. Nevertheless, the COVID-19 pandemic was experienced as an extremely demanding situation, which brought to the participants additional difficulties and burden, mainly in relation to the exclusion of father participants from the care of infants and information giving about the health status of the infant. Conclusions: Further studies on the impact of premature infant hospitalization in NICU on parents are warranted.