Background of the Study
Skin-to-skin contact (SSC), also known as kangaroo care, involves placing the newborn directly on the mother’s chest immediately after birth, providing warmth, comfort, and a bond that is crucial for early neonatal development. The practice has been shown to improve various neonatal outcomes, including thermoregulation, which is the body’s ability to maintain a stable internal temperature (Okunade et al., 2024). Neonatal thermoregulation is a critical aspect of postnatal care, as newborns are prone to hypothermia, which can lead to complications such as respiratory distress, poor feeding, and, in extreme cases, death (Alhassan & Adeyemo, 2023). In low-resource settings, such as Jigawa State, where healthcare access may be limited, early skin-to-skin contact is a simple and effective intervention to help improve thermoregulation and prevent neonatal hypothermia.
Research has demonstrated that early SSC contributes significantly to maintaining the body temperature of neonates by stabilizing heart rate, promoting better circulation, and regulating metabolism (Mahmud et al., 2023). However, in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure, including Jigawa State, there is a need to investigate how frequently SSC is practiced and its impact on neonatal thermoregulation. Although SSC has been recognized globally as a beneficial practice, the extent of its application in rural and urban areas of Jigawa State remains underexplored.
This study seeks to assess the correlation between early skin-to-skin contact and neonatal thermoregulation in Jigawa State, evaluating how SSC influences the temperature regulation of newborns in both hospital and home settings.
Statement of the Problem
Neonatal hypothermia remains a significant health concern in Jigawa State, contributing to high rates of neonatal morbidity and mortality. While early skin-to-skin contact has been shown to be an effective method for improving neonatal thermoregulation, there is limited research on its impact in Jigawa State. Factors such as lack of awareness, limited healthcare resources, and varying practices between healthcare settings may influence the implementation of SSC. This study aims to investigate how early skin-to-skin contact correlates with neonatal thermoregulation in Jigawa State, providing insights into its potential benefits in local healthcare practices.
Objectives of the Study
To investigate the correlation between early skin-to-skin contact and neonatal thermoregulation in Jigawa State.
To assess the prevalence and frequency of early skin-to-skin contact practices in Jigawa State.
To explore the barriers to the widespread adoption of skin-to-skin contact in neonatal care in Jigawa State.
Research Questions
What is the relationship between early skin-to-skin contact and neonatal thermoregulation in Jigawa State?
How frequently is early skin-to-skin contact practiced in neonatal care in Jigawa State?
What barriers hinder the implementation of early skin-to-skin contact as a standard neonatal care practice in Jigawa State?
Research Hypotheses
There is a significant positive correlation between early skin-to-skin contact and improved neonatal thermoregulation in Jigawa State.
The frequency of early skin-to-skin contact is positively associated with better neonatal body temperature regulation.
Barriers such as lack of awareness, inadequate training, and healthcare facility limitations significantly hinder the adoption of early skin-to-skin contact in Jigawa State.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on neonates in both urban and rural healthcare facilities in Jigawa State, specifically looking at early skin-to-skin contact within the first hour after birth and its effects on thermoregulation. The study will also explore the frequency of SSC practices and identify barriers to its implementation. Limitations include the possible difficulty in measuring body temperature regulation consistently and controlling for other factors that may affect thermoregulation, such as ambient temperature and maternal health status.
Definitions of Terms
Skin-to-Skin Contact (SSC): A practice where the newborn is placed directly on the mother’s or father’s chest immediately after birth, promoting warmth and bonding.
Neonatal Thermoregulation: The ability of a newborn to maintain a stable body temperature within a healthy range.
Hypothermia: A condition in which the body temperature drops below the normal range, often seen in newborns and leading to health complications.
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