Lived experiences of stress of Black and Hispanic mothers during hospitalization of preterm infants in neonatal intensive care units

Abstract

Objective To characterize the lived experiences of stress associated with having a preterm infant hospitalized in the NICU among Black and Hispanic mothers. Methods We performed a qualitative content analysis of secondary data from two prior studies that included 39 in-depth interviews with Black and Hispanic mothers of preterm infants at 3 U.S. NICUs. We used a constant comparative method to select important concepts and to develop codes and subsequent themes. Results Black and Hispanic mothers described stressors in the following domains and categories: Individual (feeling overwhelmed, postpartum medical complications, previous stressful life events, competing priorities); Hospital (perceived poor quality of care, provider communication issues, logistical issues); Community (lack of social supports, lack of financial resources, work challenges). Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that stressors both inside and outside of the hospital affect the lived experiences of stress by Black and Hispanic mothers during NICU hospitalization.