Part 1: a qualitative description of participation in an eight-week infant skin integrity study

Background The qualitative phase of the Baby Skin Integrity Comparison Survey (BaSICS) study was designed to address a dearth of information about research recruitment and retention, and how mothers make decisions about neonatal skincare. Aims The aim of the qualitative phase of the BaSICS study was to explore participants' experience of participating in the research and how this interrelated with the experience of newborn skincare. Methods Semi-structured, face-to-face or telephonic interviews were used to collect data. Interviews were transcribed verbatim. Data analysis used both software and manual methods. Findings Motivation included both altruism and personal benefits. The bespoke smartphone application was a convenient and easy tool for data collection, and being afforded full responsibility for observing and recording infant skin condition increased mothers' awareness of skin changes. Family, friends and the internet were the most commonly used sources of information about baby skincare. Conclusion The qualitative interview component of the BaSICS study provided information that could not have been deduced from the daily survey and final questionnaire alone. This provides valuable guidance for future research in the field of infant skincare.