Date of Award

6-18-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MSc in Nursing

First Advisor

Dr. Rozina Karmaliani

Second Advisor

Dr. Shabina Arif

Third Advisor

Sharifa Lalani

Department

School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Stress profoundly impacts both our mental and physical health. The birth of a new born often fills parents with immense joy, excitement, and awe. However, these emotions can rapidly shift to fear and anxiety when their infant is admitted to the NICU. Understanding how parents perceive their baby's condition and the care they receive is crucial, as these perceptions are directly linked to their levels of stress. Early identification of parental stress is vital to provide effective support and guidance, helping them find moments of relaxation amid the turmoil.
Study Purpose: This research aims to gain a deeper understanding of the lived experiences and challenges faced by parents with new-borns in the NICU in Karachi, Pakistan, to develop interventions that will support these parents and their babies.
Methodology: This study was an exploratory investigation to answer the research topic. Purposive sampling was applied to meet the objectives of this study, with ten participants recruited from a private tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Individual in-depth semi-structured interviews are the preferred form of data collection. The transcript was interpreted using the content analysis as indicated by Creswell (2007). Moreover, credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability were achieved for the study's rigor.
Findings: The findings highlighted five themes: (i) Emotional Responses to NICU Admission, (ii) Challenges Faced During NICU Stay, (iii) Coping Strategy, (iv) Impact on Mental Health, and (v) Recommendations. When the parents learnt that their child had been admitted to the NICU, they displayed a variety of emotional responses. The NICU posed numerous obstacles. Despite the hardships, parents have shown great perseverance. The study revealed three coping methods. Participants in this study provided invaluable suggestions to improve the NICU experience, focusing on three crucial areas: communication support, psychological counselling, and financial counselling.
Conclusion: One important recommendation is to provide on-site counselling services in the NICU. Experts in neonatal care and parental mental health can provide critical context, aiding parents in properly managing their emotions and creating coping mechanisms. Furthermore, parenting education should address parents' mental health and coping techniques. The participants' recommendations, including clear communication, emotional aid, and financial advice, are aligned with best practices in newborn care.

First Page

1

Last Page

137

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