Breastfeeding Promoting Experiences of Nurses Infected with COVID-19 A Phenomenological Study
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Abstract
Purpose: To explore the breastfeeding promotion experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand of nurses infected with Corona Virus 2019.
Design: A descriptive phenomenological study.
Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 nurses infected with COVID-19 and involved in breastfeeding promotion. Participants were selected using purposive and snowball sampling methods. Interviews were guided by a semi-structured format, tape-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method of data analysis with thematic analysis to identify emergent themes.
Main findings: The study involved 20 nurses aged 29-59 with an average age of 42.80 (SD±8.23) years. Most participants (40%, n = 8) worked in a lactation clinic with work experience ranging from 5-38 years with an average of 19.55 years (SD±9.60). The major findings consist of 3 main themes and 8 sub-themes, of which 3 main themes are: 1) adjusting mindset and perspective in promoting breastfeeding, 2) changing the services approach, and 3) driving practical policies with experience, knowledge, and evidence.
Conclusion and recommendations: COVID-19-infected nurses acknowledged that promoting breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic faced several challenges. Experience as COVID-19 patients encouraged them to adjust their attitude to provide better nursing care, develop a novel approach, and be a leader in driving practical policy with experience, knowledge, and evidence. Relevant stakeholders should focus on providing practical policies and developing an effective support system for promoting breastfeeding in pandemic situations.
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