Being a mother and a healthcare worker during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative research

Being A Mother and A Healthcare Worker During The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Research INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected people in many ways, with healthcare workers being one of the most affected groups. During the pandemic, the already heavy workload of healthcare worker mothers has further increased in their personal and professional lives. The present study aimed to assess the experiences of, difficulties faced by and emotional and behavioural changes experienced by healthcare worker mothers working in COVID-19 units during the pandemic and their children and to identify the associated stressors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present qualitative research was conducted between 01.04.2021 and 30.05.2021 on 17 healthcare worker mothers working in Sakarya during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected using a semi-structured form consisting of nine questions and three open-ended questions related to socio-demographic information. Data obtained through in-depth interviews were grouped under themes and sub-themes. RESULTS: In the present study, 76.4% of the participants were physicians and 23.6% were nurses. Their mean age (± standard deviation) was 35.17 (± 6.94) years. In the interviews with the participants, fear–anxiety, inadequacy, helplessness, self-judgment, stigma and caregiver problems were identified to be stressors associated with emotional reactions in mothers, while fear–anxiety, obsessive behaviours, communication issues and problems with peers were identified to be stressors associated with emotional reactions in children. Moreover, longing, a lack of physical contact and sleep problems were identified to be stressors in the mother–child relationship. Guilt, professional and personal dilemma and pride were identified to be stressors related to the profession. CONCLUSION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, working mothers and their children have faced many difficulties, resulting in psychosocial impacts. The present findings emphasise the necessity of making arrangements for healthcare workers with children, ensuring regular meetings of healthcare workers with their children and determining the causes of psychological stress and distress. As the largest employer of healthcare workers, it is important for the Ministry of Health to conduct extensive research on this issue and to assess the current situation. Key Words: Healthcare Professional Mothers, COVID-19 Pandemic, Qualitative Research, Psychosocial Impacts