Coping with Motherhood and Education: Revealing Strategies of Student Nursing Mothers in Distance Education Programs in the Upper West Region, Ghana

Abstract

This study explores the social and psychological coping strategies employed by nursing-mother students to manage the challenges of balancing their education, childcare, and family responsibilities. A case study design was employed. It adopted purposive sampling technique to select 10 respondents for interview. Semi-structured interview guide was used for the collection of data. The data were analysed using thematic analysis with the aid of Dedoose analysis software. The study found that nursing-mother students employed various social and psychological coping strategies to manage the challenges of balancing education, childcare, and family responsibilities. Socially, they increased contact hours with their children, sought help from family members, prioritized essential activities, and addressed conflicts through effective communication. Psychologically, they relied on effective communication, motivation to succeed in exams, additional studying, peer-teaching, and technology. Sleep was used as a last resort for psychological calming. These strategies helped them adjust to societal demands while continuing their education. To support nursing-mother students, two recommendations are proposed: the management of UCC study centers in the Upper West Region should establish supportive peer networks where they can share experiences and find emotional support, and integrate stress management workshops to equip them with coping strategies for balancing their responsibilities and promoting well-being.