Background:
Women of reproductive age are vulnerable to psychosocial problems but these have remained largely unexplored in some groups especially amongst Muslims in developing countries. The aim of this study was to explore and describe psychosocial impact and social support following perinatal loss among Muslim women.
Methods:
A qualitative study was conducted in specialist centre among Muslim mothers who had experienced perinatal loss. Purposive sampling to achieve maximum variation among Muslims in relation to age, parity and previous perinatal death was used. Data was captured using focus group discussion and in-depth unstructured interview until the saturation point met.
Results:
Sixteen mothers participated, having had one recent perinatal loss of a wanted pregnancy, had received antenatal follow up from public or private health clinics, and had delivery in our centre. All of them had experienced psychological difficulties including feelings of confusion, emptiness and anxiety over facing another pregnancy. Two of them showed anger and one felt guilt. They reported experiencing a lack of communication and privacy in the hospital during the period of grief. Family members and friends play an important role in providing support was reported. The majority agreed that the decision makers were their husbands and families rather than themselves alone. The respondents felt that repetitive reminder by husband, family or friends that whatever happened was a test from God improved their sense of self-worth.
Conclusion:
Muslim mothers who had experienced perinatal loss showed some level of adverse psychosocial impact which affected their feelings. Health care providers should provide psychosocial support in hospital, and ongoing support should be available where needed. Majority said that their husbands and family members were the main decision makers.