Socio-Economic and Psychological Challenges Experienced by Caregivers of Babies Admitted at the Princess Marina Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Gaborone, Botswana

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the social, economic and psychological challenges experienced by caregivers when their babies are admitted to Princess Marina Hospital (PMH) Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Gaborone, Botswana. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive phenomenological design using structured in-depth interviews to explore the social, economic and psychological challenges experienced by NICU caregivers. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: Findings revealed that the social, economic and psychological challenges experienced by caregivers when their babies are admitted to the NICU are complex and vary per family. Distance from the facility, family relationships and support, financial status amongst others, were found to significantly contribute to the challenges experienced by caregivers. Consequently, some facility issues exacerbated the challenges incurred by caregivers. Considering their supremacy, they were also incorporated into the study findings. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The challenges that comes with NICU admission are multifactorial, and multidisciplinary approaches like engaging social work and psychology departments to assist in supporting NICU caregivers is crucial. Measures including staffing, incorporating family centred care (FCC) and regular training of staff are also mandatory to achieve sustainable and satisfactory neonatal care.