KANGAROO CARE MOTHER FOR PRETERM BABIES AT DR. RUTH K. M. PFAU CIVIL HOSPITAL KARACHI

Abstract

Background:

Preterm birth is a major contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality, especially in low-resource settings. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), involving skin-to-skin contact and exclusive breastfeeding, is a simple and cost-effective strategy to improve neonatal outcomes.

Objective:

To assess the effectiveness of Kangaroo Mother Care in improving clinical outcomes among preterm neonates at Dr. Ruth K. M. Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi.

Methodology:

This prospective comparative study was conducted in the neonatal unit of Civil Hospital Karachi over a period of six months. A total of 150 preterm neonates (gestational age <37 weeks) were enrolled and divided into two groups: KMC group (n=75) and conventional care group (n=75). Neonates in the KMC group received skin-to-skin contact for at least 6–8 hours daily. Outcomes measured included weight gain (g/day), temperature stability, breastfeeding frequency, duration of hospital stay, and incidence of neonatal complications. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, and p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The mean weight gain was significantly higher in the KMC group (28.6 ± 6.4 g/day) compared to the conventional care group (18.2 ± 5.7 g/day; p<0.001). Temperature stability was achieved in 92% of neonates in the KMC group versus 76% in the control group (p=0.01). Exclusive breastfeeding rates were higher in the KMC group (88%) compared to the control group (63%; p=0.002). The mean duration of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the KMC group (7.8 ± 2.1 days) compared to the conventional group (11.5 ± 3.4 days; p<0.001). Additionally, the incidence of neonatal infections was lower in the KMC group (10.7%) compared to the control group (25.3%; p=0.02).

Conclusion:

Kangaroo Mother Care significantly improves weight gain, thermal regulation, breastfeeding rates, and reduces hospital stay and neonatal complications among preterm infants. It is a highly effective, low-cost intervention that should be routinely implemented in neonatal care settings in Pakistan.