Experiences of mothers of neonates admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Nyangabgwe hospital, Francistown, Botswana.

Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) provide life-saving care for critically ill neonates. However, mothers of NICU-admitted neonates experience significant emotional, psychological, and logistical challenges. This study explores the experiences of mothers with neonates admitted in the NICU at Nyangabgwe Hospital, Francistown, Botswana, focusing on their challenges, coping mechanisms, and the influence of cultural and healthcare system
factors. A descriptive phenomenological qualitative design was employed. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 11 mothers whose neonates had been admitted to the NICU for at least one week. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analysed using thematic analysis with NVivo software. Trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability strategies. Three major themes emerged: Emotional and Psychological Impact – mothers experienced stress, anxiety, loneliness, guilt, and emotional resilience while developing coping mechanisms. Healthcare System Challenges – mothers faced resource constraints, inconsistent communication with healthcare providers, delayed responses, and a lack of counselling services. Cultural and Social Dynamics – cultural beliefs, family restrictions, and taboos influenced maternal perceptions and experiences in the NICU. The findings highlight the need for a more inclusive and family-centred approach in
NICU care. Improving communication, psychological support, and culturally sensitive interventions can enhance maternal well-being and ultimately improve neonatal outcomes. Addressing the systemic gaps in healthcare delivery is crucial for ensuring a supportive environment for mothers in NICUs.

Keywords: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, maternal experiences, emotional distress, coping mechanisms, healthcare challenges, cultural influence, Botswana.