| dc.description.abstract | Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a beneficial method for bonding, breast-feeding and
temperature control of all neonates, regardless of weight, gestational age and clinical
condition. In low-income neonatal units, the method is used 24 hours a day
(continuous KMC), but in affluent settings with high tech equipment (incubator use),
the method is usually implemented as shorter sessions (intermittent KMC). It was
recommended that midwives initiate continuous KMC, even in a high tech-unit, as
soon as possible after the infant is born and after initial resuscitation and stabilization.
In Western Kenya, (Busia, Kisii and Migori Counties), were selected due to their high
burden of neonatal mortality associated with low-birth-weight neonates. The KMC
practice outcomes were not well elaborated yet there was an increasing trend of low
birthweight neonates (birth weight below 2500gm), Busia County 20% -30%, Kisii
15.9%-20%, and Migori at 16% in the period 2018 to 2020 respectively. There was
limited systemic information available on the outcomes of KMC practice. This was a
mixed-method research design that examined maternal, midwife and facility related
factors that influenced outcomes of KMC in Western Kenya (Busia, Kisii and
Migori). Data was collected through semi-structured, pretested interviewer
administered questionnaires. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 26.
Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis identified significant predictors
of KMC utilization. Variables with P< 0.05 in bivariate analysis was included in
multivariate models, results were reported using Adjusted Odds Ratios and 95% CI.
The study involved a representative sample size of 275 mothers of low-birth-weight
neonates, that was determined through power analysis, of mothers and midwives in
the three counties. Ethical approval was secured, and participants were provided with
informed consent before data collection. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically
to explore contextual barriers and enablers to achieving better KMC outcomes. The
study findings generated evidence-based recommendations for strengthening KMC
practices, informed policy adjustments and enhancing community health education in
Western Kenya. The study aims to determine the mother, health facility and midwife
factors and their influence on weight gain among neonates as the key indicator of
KMC outcomes. | en_US |
