Fears, Reassurance, and Milestones: A Twitter Analysis around World Prematurity Day during the COVID-19 Pandemic

McKay, K; O’Nions, E; Wayland, S; Ferguson, D; Kennedy, E

Fears, Reassurance, and Milestones: A Twitter Analysis around World Prematurity Day during the COVID-19 Pandemic

McKay, K O’Nions, E Wayland, S Ferguson, D Kennedy, E

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Publisher:: MDPI AG
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021, 18, (20), pp. 10807
Issue Date:: 2021-10-14

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	McKay, K
dc.contributor.author	O’Nions, E
dc.contributor.author	Wayland, S
dc.contributor.author	Ferguson, D
dc.contributor.author	Kennedy, E
dc.date.accessioned	2022-02-08T02:00:50Z
dc.date.available	2022-02-08T02:00:50Z
dc.date.issued	2021-10-14
dc.identifier.citation	International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021, 18, (20), pp. 10807
dc.identifier.issn	1661-7827
dc.identifier.issn	1660-4601
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/154264
dc.description.abstract	<jats:p>Preterm birth (birth <37 completed weeks’ gestation) is common, affecting 10.6% of live births globally (nearly 15 million babies per year). Having a new baby admitted to a neonatal unit often triggers stress and anxiety for parents. This paper seeks to explore experiences of preterm birth via Twitter. The intermingling of COVID-19 restrictions and World Prematurity Day allows for an understanding of both the additional stresses incurred as a consequence of the pandemic and the more “everyday” experiences in the NICU and beyond. The content analysis of the data included 3161 tweets. Three themes were identified: 1. COVID-19 was not the only trauma; 2. Raising awareness, especially World Prematurity Day; and, 3. Baby milestones. These themes highlight the multi-level challenges faced by parents of premature babies and the healthcare professionals involved in their care. The COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent restrictions imposed on parents’ contact with their babies have resulted in immense emotional strain for families. The reported COVID-19 pandemic “baby blind spot” appears to particularly impact this group of babies. Improved understanding of the lived experiences of preterm babies and their families should inform greater awareness and improved support.</jats:p>
dc.language	en
dc.publisher	MDPI AG
dc.relation.ispartof	International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.3390/ijerph182010807
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.subject.classification	Toxicology
dc.title	Fears, Reassurance, and Milestones: A Twitter Analysis around World Prematurity Day during the COVID-19 Pandemic
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	18
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/DVC (Teaching and Learning)
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/DVC (Teaching and Learning)/Connected Intelligence Centre
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
dc.date.updated	2022-02-08T02:00:47Z
pubs.issue	20
pubs.publication-status	Published online
pubs.volume	18
utslib.citation.issue	20

Abstract:

Preterm birth (birth <37 completed weeks’ gestation) is common, affecting 10.6% of live births globally (nearly 15 million babies per year). Having a new baby admitted to a neonatal unit often triggers stress and anxiety for parents. This paper seeks to explore experiences of preterm birth via Twitter. The intermingling of COVID-19 restrictions and World Prematurity Day allows for an understanding of both the additional stresses incurred as a consequence of the pandemic and the more “everyday” experiences in the NICU and beyond. The content analysis of the data included 3161 tweets. Three themes were identified: 1. COVID-19 was not the only trauma; 2. Raising awareness, especially World Prematurity Day; and, 3. Baby milestones. These themes highlight the multi-level challenges faced by parents of premature babies and the healthcare professionals involved in their care. The COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent restrictions imposed on parents’ contact with their babies have resulted in immense emotional strain for families. The reported COVID-19 pandemic “baby blind spot” appears to particularly impact this group of babies. Improved understanding of the lived experiences of preterm babies and their families should inform greater awareness and improved support.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/154264