Open Access

ARTICLE

Determining the Emotions and Views of Patients with Post-Cesarean Surgical Site Infection: A Qualitative Study

Elçin Alaçam^1,*, Mualla Yılmaz²
1 Healthcare Services Management, Mersin City Training and Research Hospital, Mersin, 33240, Türkiye
2 Faculty of Nursing, Mersin University, Mersin, 33343, Türkiye
* Corresponding Author: Elçin Alaçam. Email:
(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Mental Health Promotion and Psychosocial Support in Vulnerable Populations: Challenges, Strategies and Interventions)

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion https://doi.org/10.32604/ijmhp.2025.071033

Received 30 July 2025; Accepted 11 November 2025; Published online 21 November 2025

Abstract

Background: Post-cesarean surgical site infection is a frequent complication with significant consequences for maternal, physical, and psychological well-being. This study explored women’s lived experiences of post-cesarean surgical site infection, focusing on emotional responses, treatment experiences, and perceived psychosocial impact. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 23 patients hospitalized due to post-cesarean surgical site infection, selected through purposeful sampling between 15 August 2022, and 15 January 2024. Results: The mean age of the participants in the study was 28.69 ± 5.07 years. Of them, 13 were high school graduates, and 22 were unemployed. According to the obstetric characteristics of the participants, seven participants had their third pregnancy, nine participants had one living child, and 14 participants underwent cesarean section for the first time. The analysis of data, one main theme (Receiving surgical site infection treatment from the participants’ perspective) and five subthemes (Searching for explanations: uncertainty, blame, and distrust, Pain, uncertainty, and the weight of care, disrupted roles and the strain on family bonds, Participants’ emotions, Effects of the treatment process on mental health) emerged. Conclusions: Findings highlight significant psychosocial distress, family role disruption, and unmet information needs, underscoring the importance of integrated mental health and nursing support in post-cesarean surgical site infection care.

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Keywords

Surgical site infection; cesarean section; patient experiences; qualitative research

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