Nurses’ Roles in Empowering Mothers of Low Birth Weight Infants: A Phenomenological Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31674/mjn.2026.v17i05.006Abstract
Background: Low Birth Weight (LBW) infants are highly vulnerable to hypothermia, infection, and developmental complications, requiring comprehensive nursing care. However, the integration of maternal empowerment into neonatal care in hospital settings, particularly in Sumedang District, Indonesia, remains underexplored due to contextual and systemic challenges. Objectives: This study aimed to explore nurses’ experiences, challenges, and strategies in assisting mothers of LBW infants. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological design was employed in a hospital-based neonatal setting. Participants were selected using purposive sampling, involving 15 participants (eight nurses, four head nurses, and three mothers for triangulation). Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis and analyzed using thematic analysis. Credibility was ensured through triangulation and member checking, with ethical approval obtained prior to the study. Results: Five themes emerged: holistic accompaniment, psychological and cultural challenges, institutional supports and barriers, adaptive communication strategies, and impacts on maternal readiness. Nurses acted as educators and emotional supporters, although constrained by limited resources and lack of structured guidelines. Conclusion: Flexible, empathetic, and context-sensitive accompaniment enhances maternal confidence and readiness. The findings support the development of training programs, family-centered care, and institutional policies to strengthen neonatal care in resource-limited settings. This study also contributes to the achievement of the United Nations, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) through improved and equitable maternal and neonatal healthcare services.
Keywords:
Accompaniment;, Low Birth Weight (LBW);, Neonatal Nursing;, Nurse Role; , PhenomenologyDownloads
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