Date of Award

12-2021

Degree Type

Honors College Thesis

Academic Program

Nursing BSN

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Kathleen Masters, D.N.S.

Advisor Department

Nursing

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to assess how COVID-19 restrictions affected the perinatal experience of women in Mississippi. A flyer detailing the purpose and inclusion criteria of the study was sent via social media platforms. Five postpartum women from the Hattiesburg, Mississippi area participated in this study. Eight open-ended questions were asked in an interview format, and a seven-question demographic survey was given to each participant at the conclusion of the interview. Five restrictions related to COVID-19 were identified: visitor restrictions in the hospital, mask requirements in healthcare facilities, screening of patients upon admission to the Labor and Delivery unit, a shorter length of stay in the hospital, and visitor restrictions at prenatal and postnatal appointments. Overall, four themes were identified based on participant responses: stress, fear/anxiety, missed experiences, and loss of control. Further research is needed to investigate how COVID-19 related restrictions affected women in Mississippi on a larger scale.

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