Challenges Faced by Midwives who Care for Neonates in Neonatal Intensive Care Units of Public Hospitals in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Providing quality neonatal care is one of the most challenging healthcare service issues globally. Ensuring quality care during pregnancy and delivery is paramount to improving health outcomes and reducing mortality among neonates. About 2.9 million neonatal deaths occur worldwide, accounting for 40% under 5 years’ deaths. Midwives in the neonatal intensive care units of public hospitals in Limpopo province encounter challenges such as shortage of staff, inadequate and malfunctioning equipment, etc. when rendering care to small and sick neonates.

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the challenges encountered by midwives who provide care to neonates at neonatal intensive care units of Public hospitals in Limpopo province, South Africa.

A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research designs were used. A non-probability purposive sampling was employed to select twelve (12) midwives who constituted the sample. The sample size was not pre-determined, however, it was determined by data saturation. Data were collected through one-on-one semi-structured interviews using an interview guide. Tesch’s eight steps were utilised to analyse data wherein themes and sub-themes emerged.

The results revealed that midwives encounter several challenges such as shortage of staff, inadequate infrastructure or structure of NICU, work overload, lack of equipment and supplies, etc., when providing care to neonates in NICUs of the public hospitals.

The study recommended the implementation of hiring additional staff, staff training in neonatal care specialty and short courses, renovations of NICUs, consistent provision of equipment and material resources to improve the quality of neonatal care and reduce neonatal mortality.