Keywords
Abstract
Background: The emotional and psychological experiences of novice parents in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) were explored in this qualitative case study. The research focused on the challenges faced by first-time parents as they navigated the critical NICU environment, which impacts both the infants and their families. Objective: The primary objective was to explore the emotive experiences of novice parents at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Methodology: An exploratory case study design grounded in critical realism was adopted with an inductive approach. The study was conducted in the NICU at Ziauddin Hospital, Karachi. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with five pairs of first-time parents. Colaizzi's seven-step method of thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: Six significant themes emerged: neuroticism, distress, resilience, environmental facilitators, enthusiasm, and financial challenges. The findings highlighted a broad spectrum of emotions ranging from anxiety and stress to resilience and hope, illustrating the complex emotional landscape experienced by parents.
Conclusion: The study underscored the emotional and psychological challenges novice parents face in the NICU, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support systems that address their emotional, psychological, and financial needs. The results call for healthcare practices and policies that promote individualized, patient-centered care to enhance the NICU experience for both parents and neonates.
Keywords: Parenting Bond, Neonates, Emotional Bond, Psychological, First Parents.
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