Effect of Kangaroo Mother Care on Weight Gain in Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants

Sahar Hassan^1*, Kareem Nasir Hussien², Mushtaq Talib Mahdi³

This study showed the impact of KMC on preterm infants' weight gain can inform neonatal care practices, improving outcomes in resource-limited settings.

Abstract

Background: Preterm birth, defined as delivery before the 37th week of pregnancy, often results in low birth weight and complex medical issues, necessitating additional care. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), which involves skin-to-skin contact with the mother or caregiver, is a recommended care approach for stable low birth weight infants. This study aimed to assess the impact of KMC on the weight gain of low birth weight preterm infants. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted at the premature care unit of Al-Zahraa Teaching Hospital in Al-Najaf, Iraq, from May 2023 to April 2024. The study included 25 mother-infant dyads, where infants were preterm (<37 weeks gestation) and had a birth weight of <2000 grams. The intervention involved mothers practicing KMC for ≥6 hours/day. Data on gestational age, birth weight, gender, mode of delivery, feeding type, and weight gain were collected. Infant weight was measured at enrollment and discharge. Statistical analysis was performed using Jamovi software version 25, with significance set at P < 0.05. Results: The mean age of infants in the KMC group was 13.6±5.7 days, with 56% males and 44% females. Most infants (92%) had a birth weight of <1500 grams. There was a significant weight improvement at discharge (1178.8 ± 239.6 g) compared to admission (1094.8 ± 270.6 g), with an average weight gain of 85 grams (P < 0.001). Additionally, 72% of infants in the KMC group were exclusively breastfed. Conclusion: KMC significantly improves weight gain and breastfeeding rates in low birth weight preterm infants. The findings support the implementation of KMC as an effective care strategy in resource-limited settings to enhance infant health outcomes.

Keywords: Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), Low Birth Weight (LBW), Preterm Infants, Weight Gain, Neonatal Care

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