Lived experiences of parents with neonates nursed on mechanical ventilators in the neonatal intensive care unit at the university teaching hospital Lusaka, Zambia

The admission of a neonate requiring mechanical ventilation represents one of the most stressful experiences parents can face in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. In resource-limited settings, these challenges are often intensified by contextual factors including infrastructure limitations and cultural considerations. Understanding parents' lived experiences is crucial for developing appropriate support systems and improving family-centered care practices. A descriptive phenomenological study was conducted to explore lived experiences of parents with neonates on mechanical ventilation in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia. Through purposive sampling and in-depth interviews, ten parents (six mothers and four fathers) shared their journey of navigating the complexities of having a critically ill neonate requiring ventilator support. Thematic analysis using NVIVO 14 was used to identify notable patterns and themes within the narratives of the participants. Thematic analysis revealed five key themes, which were emotional and psychological impact, communication challenges, coping strategies and support systems, environmental and structural challenges and inadequate professional support. The study participants represented diverse backgrounds in age, education, and distance from the hospital, providing rich perspectives on the experience. Study results revealed parents experienced profound emotional and psychological impacts including initial shock, persistent anxiety, and disrupted bonding patterns, while facing significant communication barriers within the technical NICU environment. Parents developed various coping mechanisms, predominantly religious practices and peer support networks, though they encountered substantial environmental and resource challenges including infrastructure limitations, financial strains, and difficulties balancing presence with family responsibilities. The cultural dynamics and limited formal support systems, particularly regarding psychological services, highlighted critical gaps in addressing parents' comprehensive needs during their journey. The study emphasizes the need for developing culturally sensitive family support frameworks, enhancing multilingual communication protocols, and improving infrastructure to better support parents through their challenging journey. These findings provide crucial insights for healthcare providers and administrators working to enhance family-centered care practices within resource-limited settings. Keywords: mechanical ventilation, parental experiences, psychological impact, cultural sensitivity, NICU support, resource-limited settings, family-centered care