An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Kangaroo Mother Care Practices in Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Nasarawa State
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Background of the Study
Neonatal care is critical in reducing morbidity and mortality rates among preterm and low-birth-weight infants. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is an evidence-based intervention that involves skin-to-skin contact between mother and infant, exclusive breastfeeding, and early hospital discharge (WHO, 2023). KMC has been shown to improve neonatal survival, regulate body temperature, enhance mother-infant bonding, and reduce hospital-acquired infections (Lawn et al., 2024).
Despite the benefits of KMC, its implementation in many healthcare facilities, including those in Nigeria, remains suboptimal. Barriers such as inadequate knowledge among healthcare providers, resistance to change, and limited hospital resources hinder its widespread adoption (Akinola et al., 2023). In Nasarawa State, neonatal mortality remains a significant concern, particularly in rural areas where access to advanced neonatal care is limited (Olawale et al., 2024).
While some hospitals in Nasarawa State have incorporated KMC into neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), there is little research assessing its effectiveness. Understanding how KMC impacts neonatal outcomes in NICUs can help inform policies and improve neonatal care practices. This study evaluates the effectiveness of KMC practices in NICUs in Nasarawa State, with a focus on neonatal health outcomes and healthcare provider adherence.
Statement of the Problem
Preterm and low-birth-weight infants face high risks of complications such as hypothermia, infections, and respiratory distress. While KMC has been recommended as a cost-effective alternative to incubator care, its uptake in NICUs is inconsistent due to institutional barriers and healthcare provider reluctance (Nwosu & Adeyemi, 2024). In Nasarawa State, where neonatal mortality rates remain high, it is crucial to assess whether KMC is effectively implemented and whether it contributes to better neonatal health outcomes.
Existing studies highlight the benefits of KMC, but there is limited empirical data on its implementation and impact in NICUs within Nasarawa State (Ibrahim et al., 2023). This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of KMC in improving neonatal outcomes, identify challenges in its implementation, and propose recommendations for enhancing its use in neonatal care.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the impact of Kangaroo Mother Care on neonatal health outcomes in NICUs in Nasarawa State.
2. To examine healthcare providers’ knowledge and adherence to KMC practices.
3. To identify barriers to KMC implementation and propose strategies for improvement.
Research Questions
1. What impact does KMC have on neonatal health outcomes in NICUs in Nasarawa State?
2. How knowledgeable are healthcare providers about KMC practices, and how well do they adhere to them?
3. What challenges affect the implementation of KMC, and how can they be addressed?
Research Hypotheses
1. Kangaroo Mother Care significantly improves neonatal health outcomes in NICUs in Nasarawa State.
2. Healthcare providers in NICUs have varying levels of knowledge and adherence to KMC practices.
3. Addressing institutional barriers will enhance the effectiveness of KMC implementation.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on NICUs in selected hospitals in Nasarawa State, assessing the effectiveness of KMC in neonatal care. The study does not include home-based KMC practices or neonates not admitted to NICUs. A limitation of the study is the reliance on hospital records and healthcare provider reports, which may not capture all aspects of KMC implementation.
Definitions of Terms
• Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC): A method of neonatal care involving skin-to-skin contact between mother and infant, exclusive breastfeeding, and early discharge.
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): A specialized hospital unit for critically ill newborns.
• Neonatal Health Outcomes: Indicators of an infant's well-being, such as weight gain, temperature regulation, and survival rates.
• Healthcare Provider Adherence: The extent to which nurses and doctors follow recommended guidelines for KMC implementation.
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