Parental and Healthcare Provider Perspectives on the Care and Outcomes of Premature Newborns in Two Referral Hospitals in Southwestern Nigeria

Background Preterm birth remains a leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity globally, with sub-Saharan Africa bearing a disproportionate burden. Preterm infants require specialized, high-quality care to improve survival and developmental outcomes. The quality of care in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) of tertiary hospitals is critical; however, in low- and middle-income countries, challenges persist related to resource availability, clinical practices, and parental involvement. Understanding the perspectives of parents and healthcare providers is essential to identify gaps and improve care quality. Methods A qualitative study was conducted using in-depth interviews with both the parents of premature newborns admitted in the NICUs of the Federal Teaching Hospital Ido-Ekiti and the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital and their healthcare providers. Purposive sampling was employed to recruit participants. Data collection occurred over a four-week period at each of the referral hospitals. Data was analyzed using content analysis, following a systematic four-step process. Results Twelve participants were recruited, 10 females and 2 males, ranging in age from 21 to 48 years old, who were members of 2 of the major ethnic groups in Nigeria: Yoruba and Igbo. Three main themes emerged: for the parents, the most important concern was the need for quality care, whereas for the providers, the most important concern was the challenges in providing quality care. Both groups considered equally important collaboration and communication between health care workers and the patients’ families. Both parents and healthcare professionals emphasized the importance of a well-equipped and safe physical environment, individualized care, and effective communication. Key challenges included staff shortages, inadequate equipment, and limited opportunities for parents to bond with their infants. Conclusion The study highlights the need for healthcare organizations to prioritize resource allocation, adequate staffing, and family-centered care approaches to improve the quality of care for preterm infants