Background: NICU experiences pose significant challenges for parents, especially immigrants, necessitating comprehensive support. South Asian immigrants, comprising 25% of Canada's visible minority population, face unique adversities related to gender roles, hindering access to essential health services and integration. Coupled with unfavourable social determinants of health (SDoH), these challenges worsen issues like inadequate prenatal care, education, and nutrition, predictors of adverse maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Existing studies lack insight into the specific experiences of South Asian immigrant mothers in the NICU. This study investigates these experiences.
Methods: Using a qualitative descriptive approach, we recruited four participants for semi-structured interviews, supplemented by a demographic questionnaire and participant observation. Qualitative content analysis was employed for data analysis.
Findings: Four key themes were identified from the interviews: (1) Seeking Understanding, (2) Cultural Influence on NICU Experience, (3) Motherhood Journey, and (4) Circle of Care.
Implications: This study fills a gap in NICU research for South Asian immigrant women, providing a foundation for future nursing research and practice. It underscores the importance of communication and preparation for discharge delays to ease parental concerns. Additionally, it emphasizes culturally sensitive care practices and encourages further exploration of cultural influences on hospital experiences. Insights from this study can benefit other ethno-racial immigrant groups. / Thesis / Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) / Existing research offers insights into the general challenges and distress often associated with mothers' experiences in the NICU. However, there is little evidence to understand the specific experiences of South Asian immigrant mothers within this context. The objective of this thesis is to describe and understand the experiences in the NICU reported by this population. Employing a qualitative description methodology, this study engaged four eligible participants. Data collection entailed semi-structured interviews alongside a demographic questionnaire. Employing qualitative content analysis, four overarching themes were identified: (1) Seeking to Understand, (2) The Impact of South Asian Culture on the NICU Experience, (3) Becoming a Mother One Step at a Time, and (4) Circle of Care.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:mcmaster.ca/oai:macsphere.mcmaster.ca:11375/29673 |
| Date | January 2024 |
| Creators | Deol, Rosie |
| Contributors | Wahoush, Olive, Chen, Ruth, Butt, Michelle, Nursing |
| Source Sets | McMaster University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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