Challenges of uptake of kangaroo mother care by parents of preterm and low birth weight infants in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The uptake of kangaroo mother care (KMC) which is acclaimed to be an effective and efficient method of neonatal survival has not increased in Edo State even more than a decade since its recommendation by the WHO in Edo State. Nigeria ranks seventh among the ten African countries where newborns have the highest risk of dying with over 700 newborn deaths per10, 000 live births. The study investigated the challenges faced by parents of preterm and low birth weight infants in the uptake of KMC. The design was an exploratory qualitative research design that utilized semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions to interview 13 mothers whose premature babies were admitted in the neonatal intensive unit of a tertiary health facility. Responses were analyzed thematically and reported in codes and themes. Findings: all participants reported similar challenges, which included ridicule from untrusting friends, inadequate information, lack of human and material resources and nurses’ poor attitude. Recommendations made were timely information, increase in human and material resources and establishment of KMC dedicated centers by government.