Aims: This study aims to explore the transition to parenthood in Jordan and answer the following three major research questions: "How do young people in Jordan prepare for marriage, pregnancy and parenthood?"
Methods: A qualitative research approach was identified as a suitable approach for exploring the experiences of new parents through semi structured interviews with some 30 participants (comprising 10 mothers, 10 fathers, and 10 informal support providers, such as family members and friends).
Findings: My study found that new parents overall are unprepared for the experience of marriage, pregnancy and birth. They expressed frustration with their culture and with the healthcare system. This was attributed to cultural taboos and the failure of the health care system to address their psychosocial needs and to prepare them for the arrival of the child.
Biography: Lina Mrayan is an Assistant Professor at the Department Of Maternal, Child and Family Health Nursing in Faculty of Nursing at Hashemite University in Jordan. She was graduated with A BSc Degree in Nursing in 1992 from Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan. She holds PhD in Nursing From Glasgow Caledonian University, United Kingdom in 2010. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Nursing Science from Glasgow Caledonian University, United Kingdom in 2006. Her research interests are in the Areas of Women's Health and the Transition to Parenthood.
