Qualitative Exploration of Black Canadian Parents' Experiences of Having a Preterm Infant and Navigating Racism in the NICU

ABSTRACT

Aim

The study aims to explore the experiences of Black Canadian parents following a preterm birth and their perspectives of being in the NICU.

Design

A qualitative design guided by principles of community engagement was used to explore the experiences of Black Canadian parents.

Methods

Focus groups and in-depth interviews were conducted with 40 Black parents of preterm infants. A thematic analysis approach was used to organize the data into meaningful themes.

Results

Five major themes were identified through the data analysis: encountering racism and discrimination in the NICU, bearing the emotional weight of staying in the NICU, enduring the feeling of bodily betrayal and guilt, grappling with the turmoil of uncertainty and seeking peer and mental health support programs.

Conclusion

This study provides in-depth understanding of the unique experiences of Black Canadian parents after a preterm birth and the challenges they face navigating the NICU.

Implications for Professional and/or Patient

Developing a targeted training program for health care providers is critical to address racism and discriminatory practices and enhance parents' sense of belonging in the NICU. Creating Black-focused peer support and accessible mental health care during and after the NICU is critical to address the gaps in programs and services and to promote effective coping.

Impact

Addressing racism and discriminatory practice requires urgent attention to promote equity within the NICU environment. Scaling up access to Black peer support and mental health programs will contribute to improving parental wellbeing in Canada and beyond.

Patient or Public

This study was in partnership with the Canadian Premature Babies Foundation, our community collaborator.