Challenges faced by mothers with preterm infants during hospitalization in Fars Province in Iran: a qualitative study

Preterm birth represents a significant global health issue and a leading cause of neonatal mortality. The subsequent and often prolonged hospitalization of a preterm infant in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a profoundly stressful experience for mothers. This study aims to explore the challenges faced by mothers of hospitalized preterm infants within the unique socio-cultural context of Fars Province in Iran. A qualitative study was conducted using a conventional content analysis approach. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 17 mothers of hospitalized preterm infants from hospitals in Fars Province, Iran. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and were subsequently analyzed by using MAXQDA software, following the procedural steps outlined by Graneheim and Lundman (2004). Four main themes with eight sub-themes were obtained in this study. The main themes were strange and non-supportive NICU environments, perceived lack of support from medical staff, economic pressure, and concern about the health and care of infants. Mothers of preterm infants in this Iranian context face a combination of environmental, communicational, financial, and psychological challenges. They require not only comprehensive awareness of their infant’s condition but also access to accurate information and financial support, among other essential resources. Interventions should aim to familiarize mothers with the NICU environment, actively involve them in their infant’s care, provide thorough pre-discharge education, and ensure consistent, meaningful support from healthcare staff.