KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF KANGAROO MOTHER CARE (KMC) IN POSTNATAL MOTHERS WHO GAVE BIRTH TO LOW WEIGHT AND PRETERM BABIES IN SOCIETY.

Abstract

Background: Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a low-cost, effective method for caring for preterm and low birthweight infants through continuous skin-to-skin contact that enhances thermal regulation and bonding. Despite its benefits, the knowledge and application of KMC among Pakistani mothers remain understudied.

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, acceptability, and practice of KMC among postnatal mothers of preterm and low birthweight infants at Peoples Medical University Hospital Nawabshah.

Methods: A cross-sectional study including 150 postnatal mothers was conducted. Data on maternal education, awareness of KMC, initiation timing, duration of KMC, and perceived infant health improvements were collected and analyzed.

Results: 51% of women reported not knowing about KMC; 49% were aware. Education levels among mothers were: 48% illiterate, 34.7% literate, 16% intermediate, 1.3% undergraduate. 62% had started KMC; initiation time varied: 30.7% immediately, 30% within 12 hours, 23.3% within 12-14 hours, and 15.3% after 24 hours. Duration of daily KMC: 40.7% gave 8-12 hours, 37.3% gave 12-18 hours, and 18.7% more than 18 hours. Most mothers reported improvements in their babies' health after practicing KMC.

Conclusions: Knowledge and practice of KMC among mothers remain suboptimal, particularly among the illiterate group. Early initiation and longer duration of KMC are associated with reported improvements in infant health. Targeted education and healthcare support are necessary to enhance acceptance and practice of KMC in this population.