Proceedings of the 8th World Conference on Qualitative Research

Introduction: The continued conflict in Ukraine has disrupted daily life and displaced families, especially mothers and children, negatively impacting health, wellness, and access to resources. Thousands of mothers and children have been admitted to other countries as refugees. The increasing displacement of Ukrainian refugee mothers and their children beckon healthcare professionals to understand the influence of displacement and relocation on families, while considering culture. Displacement and relocation are sensitive experiences and particular to personal circumstances. As such, a qualitative method of inquiry is appropriate to learn about refugee mothers’ experiences.
Goals and methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted in person, by telephone, or online by a team of culturally and linguistically compatible women researchers to explore 16 refugee mothers’ experience and perceived barriers and facilitators of feeding their children since onset of the conflict, during their escape, and following relocation. Using the phenomenological approach, coding and thematic analysis were employed to identify themes related to perception of child feeding among Ukrainian refugee mothers.
Results: Four themes were identified from the narratives: culturally-based perceptions of young child nutrition; breastfeeding during the conflict and relocation; challenges with accessing nutritious food during the conflict and relocation; and food adaptation upon relocation. Mothers described their preference for homemade food and special water for their young children, although access to familiar, nutritious food was challenged during the conflict and relocation, requiring food adaptations. Overall, the mothers expressed positive attitudes regarding breastfeeding although some mothers were unable to continue breastfeeding due to stress experienced during the conflict.
Conclusions: Qualitative interviews were conducted by culturally relatable women to facilitate trust, comfort, and openness in exploring the sensitive experience of child feeding during displacement and relocation. Themes that emerged can inform healthcare professionals of culturally relevant and sensitive feeding education using therapeutic communication and care of refugee families.