Lived experiences, coping strategies, and relationship dynamics of women and men following miscarriage in Kampala...

Miscarriage is a prevalent and distressing experience that profoundly impacts both women's and men's psychological wellbeing and relationship dynamics. This study investigated the lived experiences, coping strategies, and relationship dynamics of women and men following miscarriage in Kampala district. The study used a qualitative approach, particularly a phenomenological research design. It employed a purposive sampling technique to select 12 participants who had experienced at least one miscarriage at least 1 month before data collection. The sample included women aged 24-38 years and men aged 28-50 years. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and analyzed following Virginia Braun and Victoria Clarke's six-phase approach to thematic analysis. The study findings showed that the lived experiences of participants were characterized by an emotional rollercoaster involving denial and sadness, trauma, and a loss of identity. Participant experiences were also marked by a search for an explanation and the pressure to align grief with cultural gender expectations. To navigate this aftermath, participants' coping strategies included mutual partner support, religion, the pursuit of a replacement baby, and the presence of other children. Furthermore, the experience transformed relationship dynamics; while some couples figured it out together, strengthening their bond, others faced emotional distance and a damaging blame game, outcomes often influenced by the state of the relationship prior to the loss. The study findings highlighted the psychological, social, spiritual, and emotional impact of miscarriage for both women and men. Therefore, there is a need for comprehensive and culturally sensitive support for individuals navigating the aftermath of miscarriage.