ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE REGARDING KANGAROO MOTHER CARE AMONG NURSES OF A GENERAL HOSPITAL OF LAHORE

C  KAYNAT; A SAOUL; H SHEHZAD; K ULLAH; SS TASNEEM; R JABEEN

doi:10.54112/bcsrj.v2024i1.1286

Authors

C KAYNAT Department of Nursing, The Superior University Lahore, Pakistan
A SAOUL Department of Nursing, The Superior University Lahore, Pakistan
H SHEHZAD Department of Nursing, The Superior University Lahore, Pakistan
K ULLAH Department of Nursing, The Superior University Lahore, Pakistan
SS TASNEEM Department of Nursing, The Superior University Lahore, Pakistan
R JABEEN Department of Nursing, The Superior University Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54112/bcsrj.v2024i1.1286

Keywords:

Kangaroo Mother Care, neonatal care, nurses, knowledge assessment, Pakistan, healthcare practices

Abstract

Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a proven cost-effective intervention for managing preterm and low-birth-weight infants, particularly in resource-limited settings. Despite its benefits, KMC adoption remains inconsistent in Pakistan. Nurses play a pivotal role in its implementation, but their knowledge and attitudes toward KMC have not been extensively studied. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nurses regarding KMC in a general hospital in Lahore. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 180 nurses using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to KMC. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, employing descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The study revealed moderate knowledge and confidence levels among nurses regarding KMC. While 43.9% of participants were confident in understanding the principles of KMC, only 41.2% were knowledgeable about proper positioning techniques. Confidence in educating caregivers was higher (48.3%), but only 37.3% strongly believed in KMC’s contribution to neonatal health. Perceived institutional support was deemed adequate by 45.6% of participants, while 37.8% were receptive to further training. Conclusion: Despite moderate awareness, significant gaps in technical knowledge and institutional support hinder the effective implementation of KMC. Targeted educational interventions and policy reforms are needed to enhance nurses' competencies and promote the adoption of KMC in healthcare settings in Pakistan.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

D-RJ C-AA. Kangaroo mother care to reduce morbidity and mortality in low birthweight infants. Cochrane Database Syst Rev [Internet]. 2016;8.

Bhutta ZA, Das JK, Rizvi A, Gaffey MF, Walker N, Horton S, et al. Evidence-based interventions for improvement of maternal and child nutrition: what can be done and at what cost? The lancet. 2013;382(9890):452-77.

Zaidi AK, Awasthi S, DeSilva HJ. Burden of infectious diseases in South Asia. Bmj. 2004;328(7443):811-5.

Beniamino C, Weber AM, Gupta GR, Darmstadt GL. Gender equality and global health: intersecting political challenges. Journal of Global Health. 2020;10(1).

DeMarchis A, Israel-Ballard K, Mansen KA, Engmann C. Establishing an integrated human milk banking approach to strengthen newborn care. Journal of Perinatology. 2017;37(5):469-74.

Morgan MC, Nambuya H, Waiswa P, Tann C, Elbourne D, Seeley J, et al. Kangaroo mother care for clinically unstable neonates weighing≤ 2000 g: Is it feasible at a hospital in Uganda? Journal of global health. 2018;8(1).

Petty J, Jarvis J, Thomas R. Listening to the parent voice to inform person-centred neonatal care. Journal of neonatal nursing. 2019;25(3):121-6.

George O. Effect of ‘kangaroo mother care’training on knowledge, attitude and practice of health care providers in selected district hospitals in north rift region, Kenya. March 2013. Avaiable: http://hdl handle net/123456789/2 0 (Accessed: 10/26/2016). 2013.

Dalal A, Bala D, Chauhan S. A cross-sectional study on knowledge and attitude regarding kangaroo mother care practice among health care providers in Ahmedabad District. Int J Med Sci Public Health. 2014;3(3):253-6.

Guenther T, Moxon S, Valsangkar B, Wetzel G, Ruiz J, Kerber K, et al. Consensus–based approach to develop a measurement framework and identify a core set of indicators to track implementation and progress towards effective coverage of facility–based Kangaroo Mother Care. Journal of global health. 2017;7(2).

Heidarzadeh M, Hosseini MB, Ershadmanesh M, Tabari MG, Khazaee S. The effect of kangaroo mother care (KMC) on breast feeding at the time of NICU discharge. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal. 2013;15(4):302.

Lawn JE, Davidge R, Paul VK, Xylander Sv, de Graft Johnson J, Costello A, et al. Born too soon: care for the preterm baby. Reproductive health. 2013;10:1-19.

Health WHOR. Kangaroo mother care: a practical guide: World Health Organization; 2003.

Solomons N, Rosant C. Knowledge and attitudes of nursing staff and mothers towards kangaroo mother care in the eastern sub-district of Cape Town. South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2012;25(1):33-9.