KANGAROO MOTHER CARE: A STUDY OF OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN ITS IMPLEMENTATION AMONG MOTHERS OF PRETERM AND LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANTS IN KIRINYAGA COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is an essential newborn package for reduction of neonatal mortality rates among preterm and low birth weight babies. However, KMC uptake remains low in Kenya. This paper assessed the determinants of KMC utilization among mothers’ post-hospitalization in Kirinyaga County, Central Kenya. A total of 152 KMC practicing mothers were enrolled in the study after discharge from Kerugoya County Hospital. The study adopted a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional design using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions were used to collect data. A systematic sampling method was adopted for recruitment of study participants. Chi-square was applied to test association between KMC predictors and their relationship with KMC uptake post-hospital discharge in Kirinyaga County. Of the 152 KMCpracticing mothers’ included in the study were practicing KMC for ≥8 hours a day as recommended. Two demographic determinants (age and level of education) and two family support determinants (emotional/physical support and assistance to position) were associated with KMC uptake (p-value < 0.05) in this study. However, stigma, traditional beliefs, and cultural norms were identified as hindering the KMC practice among mothers’ post-hospital
discharge. Health system factors were also observed to have a moderating effect on determinants of KMC utilization. Results of this study demonstrate low KMC utilization in Kirinyaga County and highlights demographic, family support systems, sociocultural factors, and healthcare system factors as key determinants of KMC uptake.