Knowledge and acceptability of Kangaroo mother care among mothers of low birth weight babies

Low birth weight continues to be a major public health problem globally. Kangaroo mother care (KMC) has been documented to be a safe and effective alternative comprehensive method for the care of Low Birth Weight Infants (LBWI) in developing as well as in developed countries.

To assess the knowledge and acceptability of Kangaroo Mother Care among mothers of Preterm/Low Birth Weight babies.

Qualitative research method included in-depth interview and participant observation was conducted within a period of 9 months from 42 mothers of new born Preterm/Low Birth Weight babies at Kangaroo Mother Care ward at KLE's Dr Prabhakar Kore Hospital, Belagavi.

The results are classified as follows:

Majority of the mothers had knowledge about KMC (82.2%). All the mothers strongly agreed that the KMC method assists growth and development and also pre-empts sickness in the baby. More than half the mothers felt that amongst all the other methods, KMC is a viable method.

KMC was accepted by most of the families and mothers (95.2%). The KMC mothers spent significantly more time with their babies beyond the routine care taking activities. No adverse events were recorded in this study. All the mothers were satisfied with KMC.

Positive attitudes were observed in the mothers and their families. KMC was found to be a safe, acceptable, and effective method of care for LBWI at both hospital and home.