Caring for Preterm Babies at Home: Challenges of Mothers in North-Eastern Ghana

Abstract

Background: While many pregnancies progress normally, some result in preterm birth, a stressful and potentially life-threatening condition for both the mother and infant. Mothers of preterm babies often experience heightened psychological and emotional distress, compounded by challenges in caregiving after hospital discharge. Objective: This study explores the challenges faced by mothers in caring for preterm babies at home, particularly in relation to the trauma of preterm birth and the subsequent neonatal period. Methodology: An exploratory qualitative design was employed. Nineteen (19) mothers of preterm infants aged 2–24 months were purposively sampled. Study participants were age between 18 and 41 years, with most (n=15, 78.9%) married. In-depth interviews were conducted, and data was analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results: Three major challenges emerged from the data: time constraints, confinement, and financial difficulties. Mothers expressed difficulties balancing childcare with daily responsibilities, limited social support, and financial strain due to reduced income-generating opportunities. Conclusion: The study highlights the significant burden mothers face in caring for preterm babies at home. Many struggle with inadequate family, social, and workplace support, which exacerbates the challenges of preterm infant care. Strengthening family and community support systems, as well as integrating targeted interventions into maternal and newborn care programs, is crucial to alleviating these challenges.