A qualitative study of the communication and information needs of parents of preterm Infants in a tertiary health facility in Northeast Nigeria

While the need for hospitalisation in preterm infants is a well-recognized source of stress and anxiety for most parents, the communication and informational needs of parents during this period remain vastly understudied in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to investigate the specific information and communication needs of parents with preterm infants in the newborn unit, focusing on their preferences regarding content, timeliness, and communication approaches. Additionally, the study sought suggestions for enhancing communication during hospitalization. This study was carried out in a tertiary health facility in Northeast Nigeria between August 2023 and April 2024. We used a phenomenological approach in this qualitative study and conducted three Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with 20 parents of preterms recruited at the follow-up clinic until data saturation was achieved. The FGDs were recorded, transcribed, and thematic analysis was done. Data were managed using NVivo version 1.0 In total, 19 mothers and a father were recruited, with a mean age of 30.1 (SD 6.1). All had secondary education, with 55% having tertiary education. The main themes that emerged were pragmatism in information sharing, such as the available parent receiving the information; paternal involvement to enhance shared decision-making and cultural sensitivity; leveraging the routine of the unit to avoid multiple sessions, individualizing of parents based on their strengths and weaknesses and, lastly, respectful care. Pragmatic, respectful, and individualized communication integrated into routine newborn care and involving both parents can enhance parental understanding, engagement, and experience of care during hospitalisation of preterm infants. Information sharing about the health of a hospitalised preterm infant should be pragmatic, personalised and context-specific The peculiarity of our setting, such as gender roles/power dynamics, cultural norms, absence of universal health coverage and overwhelmed health systems, gives rise to specific challenges with communication between health workers and the parents. In the care of hospitalised infants, parents are a valuable resource who can offer insights and suggestions to improve the quality of care