LIVED EXPERIENCES OF MOTHERS WITH PERIPARTUM CARDIOMYOPATHY

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is known to occur more commonly in African women or those of African descent, with potentially devastating consequences. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of women with post-partum cardiomyopathy. A phenomenological approach was used. The study was conducted with 6 women with a confirmed diagnosis of peri-partum cardiomyopathy who were registered with the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals Cardiac clinic. Excluded from the study, due to compromised autonomy, were the mentally ill, critically ill, and the institutionalized. Participants were selected as they came for routine management. In-depth interviews, following semi structured questionnaires, were conducted. All participants gave informed consent, and the study was conducted according to the requirements of the Declaration of Helsinki. Interviews were held in a private room and filled in questionnaires and detailed notes were anonymized and kept in a lockable cupboard to which the researchers had sole access. Manual thematic analysis was used to analyze the data and it was presented in themes, subthemes, and codes. The stages of thematic analysis followed were data organization, familiarization, transcription, coding, identifying themes, indexing, reviewing themes, displaying, and reporting. Trustworthiness was ensured by observing credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability. Three major themes namely: experience on diagnosis, psychosocial tension and supporting factors were identified. Women diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy experience physical, psychological, and emotional stress. Psychosocial support is very vital in the management of peripartum cardiomyopathy.