Understanding Perceptions and Practices for Designing an Appropriate Community-Based Kangaroo Mother Care...

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Health
• Public Health Interventions
• Maternal and Child Health

Background:

• Low birth weight (LBW) affects millions of infants globally, increasing neonatal morbidity and mortality risk.
• Home births are common in Pakistan, necessitating community-based interventions for neonatal care.
• Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), or skin-to-skin contact, is crucial for preventing neonatal mortality and morbidity in LBW infants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To understand community and facility contexts for neonatal care and KMC practice in Pakistan.
• To inform the design of culturally appropriate KMC platforms for community introduction.
• To develop effective strategies for KMC recruitment and retention in rural Dadu district.

Main Methods:

• Formative research approach utilizing focus group discussions and interviews.
• Engaged families of LBW babies, community members, healthcare providers, and administrators.
• Identified barriers, enablers, and knowledge gaps for KMC interventions.

Main Results:

• Community newborn care practices were suboptimal, with low awareness of KMC.
• Healthcare providers, community members, and families showed willingness and support for KMC.
• Mothers were amenable to intermittent KMC, and hospital administrators accepted its introduction.

Conclusions:

• Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is widely accepted in Pakistani communities for LBW infant care.
• Formative research identified key community practices, barriers, and enablers for KMC implementation.
• Findings will guide the development of effective KMC strategies to improve neonatal outcomes.