[ experience of mothers with newborn jaundice: a qualitative study]

ABSTRACT

Neonatal jaundice is still a leading cause of preventable brain damage, physical and mental handicap, and early death among newborns in many countries. In spite of this fact, Iranian mothers seem not to approach their newborn jaundice appropriately. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore mother's viewpoints regarding their newborn jaundice. Using qualitative method, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of fifteen mothers who their infants were hospitalized in one of the hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences with a diagnosis of jaundice newborn. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Two themes and two sub-themes were identified in data analysis. The main themes were challenge between traditional and modern approach to newborn jaundice [with two sub-themes of traditional understanding of disease' nature and challenges in treatment and follow ups] and mothers concerns for their infants' future. In general, mother weren't aware of disease' nature and their traditional approach had caused challenges in treatment of their newborn jaundice. Considering the finding of the study, in order to help mothers to approach their newborn jaundice appropriately and disease follow up, it is recommended that nurses and midwives instruct mothers about their newborn jaundice and plan for perinatal care