Exploring the lived experiences of parents caring for infants with gastroschisis in Rwanda: The untold story

Abstract

Pediatric surgery is a crucial pillar of health equity but is often not prioritized in the global health agenda, especially in low-and middle-income countries. Gastroschisis (GS) is a type of structural congenital anomaly that can be treated through surgical interventions. In Rwanda, neonatal surgical care is only available in one hospital. The experience of parents of children born with gastroschisis has not been previously studied in Rwanda. The objective of this study was to explore the lived experiences of parents of children diagnosed with GS in Rwanda. A qualitative study using a semi-structured interview guide was conducted. Parents who had children with gastroschisis and were discharged alive from the hospital in Rwanda were interviewed by trained data collectors, from May to July 2021. Data were transcribed, translated, and then coded using a structured code-book. Thematic analysis was conducted with the use of Dedoose software. Sixteen parents participated in the study. Five themes emerged from the data. They were: “GS diagnosis had a significant emotional impact on the parents”, “Parents were content with the life-saving medical care provided for their children despite some dissatisfaction due to the delayed initiation of care and shortage of medications”, “GS care was accompanied by financial challenges”, “support systems were important coping mechanisms” and “the impact of GS care extended into the post-discharge period”. Having a newborn with GS was an emotional journey. The lack of pre-knowledge about the condition created a shock to the parents. Parents found support from their faith and other parents with similar experiences. The experiences with the care received were mostly positive. The overall financial burden incurred from the medical treatment and indirect costs was high and extended beyond the hospital stay. Strengthening prenatal and hospital services, providing peer, spiritual and financial support could enhance the parents’ experience.

Foreign Election Interference in Africa’s De-Democratization Culture

“…The De-democratization nature of African politics and its practice, the rule of law, and the use of executive powers could create a conducive atmosphere for foreign interference to occur (Davies, 2018;Tilly, 2003). Researchers have noticed and documented foreign interferences in education (Long & O'Connell, 2022), the healthcare delivery system (Dolan et al, 2023), social and cultural grooming of the youth (Sibani, 2018), and the training of high-level professionals for industry, academia, politics and governance and even sexual rights and preferences of the populations: A twin matter which has now become highly contentious and divisive continental subject since the scramble for Africa between 1894 and 1895 (Hochschild, 1999). These developments create the impression that African leaders, the Presidents, bureaucrats, and university scholars included are easily machinated and easily seduced with money and honorariums or salary top-ups, scholarships, appointments, and other prurient incentives.…”