The Impact of Kangaroo Mother Care on Preterm Infant Survival in Yobe State
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Preterm birth, defined as birth before 37 weeks of gestation, remains a leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 15 million preterm births occur annually, with complications resulting in approximately 1 million deaths (WHO, 2024). In Nigeria, neonatal mortality rates remain high, particularly in northern states like Yobe, where healthcare resources are often inadequate, and access to neonatal intensive care is limited.
Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a cost-effective and evidence-based intervention designed to improve preterm infant survival. It involves skin-to-skin contact between the mother and infant, exclusive or nearly exclusive breastfeeding, and early hospital discharge with continued follow-up care (Charpak et al., 2023). Research has shown that KMC helps regulate the infant’s temperature, promotes weight gain, reduces infections, and improves bonding between mother and child.
In Yobe State, where neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) services are limited, KMC offers a viable alternative to incubator-based care. However, the uptake and implementation of KMC remain suboptimal due to cultural beliefs, lack of awareness, and inadequate training for healthcare providers (Bello & Yusuf, 2024). This study aims to assess the impact of KMC on preterm infant survival in Yobe State, identifying barriers and proposing strategies for wider adoption.
Statement of the Problem
Neonatal mortality remains a critical public health issue in Yobe State, with preterm infants being at high risk due to insufficient access to specialized care. Many preterm infants suffer from hypothermia, infections, and feeding difficulties, contributing to high mortality rates (Aliyu et al., 2023). While KMC has been globally recognized as an effective intervention, its adoption in healthcare facilities in Yobe remains low.
Limited awareness among mothers, resistance to non-traditional healthcare practices, and inadequate training for nurses and midwives hinder the implementation of KMC. If these challenges are not addressed, neonatal deaths will continue to rise, further straining the healthcare system. This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of KMC in improving preterm infant survival and to identify factors influencing its implementation.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess the impact of Kangaroo Mother Care on preterm infant survival in Yobe State.
- To examine the level of awareness and acceptance of KMC among mothers and healthcare providers.
- To identify barriers to the implementation of KMC in healthcare facilities in Yobe State.
Research Questions
- How does Kangaroo Mother Care impact preterm infant survival in Yobe State?
- What is the level of awareness and acceptance of KMC among mothers and healthcare providers?
- What are the barriers to the implementation of KMC in healthcare facilities?
Research Hypotheses
- Kangaroo Mother Care significantly improves preterm infant survival rates.
- The level of awareness and acceptance of KMC among mothers and healthcare providers is low.
- Various barriers hinder the effective implementation of KMC in healthcare facilities.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on hospitals and healthcare centers in Yobe State that provide maternal and neonatal care. It will assess preterm infant survival rates among those who receive KMC compared to those who do not. Limitations may include challenges in obtaining accurate neonatal survival data, cultural resistance to KMC, and possible recall bias in maternal responses.
Definitions of Terms
- Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC): A method of caring for preterm infants through skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding, and close monitoring.
- Preterm Infant: A baby born before 37 weeks of gestation.
- Neonatal Mortality: Death of an infant within the first 28 days of life.
