Qualitative Investigation of Psychological Adjustment of Mothers of Premature Babies and Related-Factors During the Pandemic Period

Yıl 2024, Cilt: 41 Sayı: 2, 421 - 434, 30.12.2024

Buse Şencan Karakuş , Ayşe Mete Yeşil , İrem İyigün , Tolga Çelik , Elif Özmert

https://doi.org/10.32600/huefd.1437940

Öz

This study aims determine to the levels of depression, stress and anxiety affecting the psychological adjustment processes of mothers of premature babies during the pandemic and to qualitatively examine the factors associated with these levels. The study sample consists of mothers of premature babies hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit due to prematurity. The sample for this qualitative study includes 11 individuals. The severity of mothers' depression, stress, and anxiety symptoms was determined using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale- Short Form. Qualitative data regarding the factors related to the depression, stress, and anxiety levels of mothers of premature babies was obtained through a semi-structured interview form created by the researchers. These qualitative data were analyzed using the descriptive analysis method via MAXQDA. It was observed that eight participating mothers scored above the cutoff point in at least one dimension of depression, stress, or anxiety. The experiences related to the premature birth of the baby, emotions associated with the premature birth, factors affecting depression, stress, and anxiety experiences, the impact of premature birth on the mother-baby relationship, its effects on family relationships, experiences related to healthcare services, and coping mechanisms during the process were evaluated. The analysis reveals that the mother-infant relationship during the critical period is characterised by themes of 'empty cradle', 'inadequacy', 'lack of contact and access', and 'inability to feel bonding'. In addition to these themes, other factors are informative regarding the impact of preterm birth on mothers during the pandemic and how it affects their emotional experiences and family relationships. Considering the additional risk factor of the pandemic, the study suggests that paternal involvement and support for the mother-baby relationship could serve as critical protective factors.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Premature infant, postpartum depression, anxiety, COVID-19, pandemic

Pandemi Döneminde Prematüre Bebek Annelerinin Psikolojik Uyumları ve İlişkili Etmenlerin Nitel Olarak İncelenmesi

Öz

Bu çalışma pandemi döneminde prematüre bebeklerin annelerinin psikolojik uyum süreçlerini etkileyen depresyon, stres ve kaygı düzeylerini belirlemeyi ve bu düzeyleri etkileyen etmenlerin ilişkisini nitel olarak incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Çalışma örneklemi, Yenidoğan Yoğun Bakım Ünitesinde prematürite nedeniyle yatan bebeklerin annelerinden oluşmaktadır. Bu nitel çalışmanın örneklemi 11 kişiden oluşmaktadır. Annelerin depresyon, stres ve kaygı belirti şiddetleri Depresyon Anksiyete Stres Ölçeği-Kısa Formu kullanılarak belirlenmiştir. Araştırmacılar tarafından oluşturulan yarı-yapılandırılmış görüşme formundan elde edilen prematüre bebeklerin annelerinin depresyon, stres ve kaygı düzeyleriyle ilişkili olguları inceleyen nitel veriler betimsel analiz yöntemi kullanılarak MAXQDA aracılığı ile analiz edilmiştir. Çalışmaya katılan sekiz annenin depresyon, stres ve kaygı boyutlarının en az birinde kesme puanının üzerinde puan aldıkları görülmüştür. Bebeğin erken doğmasıyla ilgili deneyimler, bebeğin erken doğmasına ilişkin duygular, depresyon, stres ve kaygıyla ilişkili deneyimler, erken doğumun anne-bebek ilişkisine yansımaları, erken doğumun aile ilişkilerine yansıması, sağlık hizmetleri hakkındaki deneyimler ve süreçte baş etmeyi kolaylaştıran etmenler değerlendirilmiştir. Yapılan analiz sonucundan bu dönem için kritik bulunan anne-bebek ilişkisine dair ‘boş beşik, ‘yetersizlik’, ‘temas ve erişim azlığı’, ‘bağ hissedememe’ temalarının ön plana çıktığı görülmektedir. Bu temalara ek olarak diğer temalar, pandemi döneminde erken doğumun anneler üzerindeki etkilerini ve bu sürecin annelerin duygusal deneyimleri ve aile ilişkileri üzerinde nasıl yansımalar yarattığı noktasında yol göstericidir. Bu çalışmanın verileri kapsamında pandemi ek bir risk faktörü bağlamında değerlendirildiğinde, baba katılımının ve anne-bebek ilişkisinin desteklenmesinin kritik bir koruyucu faktör olabileceği düşünülmektedir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Prematüre bebekler, postpartum depresyon, kaygı, COVID-19, pandemi

Etik Beyan

Bu çalışma için Hacettepe Üniversitesi girişimsel olmayan araştırmalar etik kurulundan (tarih: 05/04/2022 karar no: 2022/06-22) etik izin alınmıştır.

Destekleyen Kurum

Çalışmayı destekleyen bir kurum bulunmamaktadır.

Kaynakça

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