In Hospital Experiences of Mothers of Children with Major External Birth Defects During Hospitalisation at a Tertiary Hospital in South Western Uganda

Abstract

Mothers are regarded as primary care givers and in many African countries, women are culturally held responsible for the child’s health. The birth of a child with birth defect (s) may have significant impact on mothers psychological, physical and socioeconomic well-being. The in hospital experience of mothers of children with birth defects has not been adequately explored and therefore not fully attended to especially in low resource settings. At Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH), the medical care team often is more directed towards medical treatment and surgery of the child born with a birth defect with little or no focused psychosocial support to their mothers.  Objectives The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of mothers of children with major externally visible birth defects during their hospitalization at MRRH.  Method A phenomenological study with purposive sampling of 12 participants. The adjusted ecological model was used. Data was collected by self-report using unstructured face to face interviews until saturation was reached. Five themes emerged from the study which include: Negative emotional experience, acceptance of child’s condition, supportive part of the medical team despite some medical system challenges (like stock outs of medications and sundries, fewer staffs in the night) financial challenges and spiritual, family plus health team support were cope strategies.  Conclusion Mothers of children with major external birth defects were negatively affected especially, emotionally and financially. These mothers, therefore require psychosocial, financial and also spiritual support during their hospital stay at MRRH.