The Role of Knowledge and Family Support in the Success of Kangaroo Mother Care

Background

Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a crucial neonatal intervention that involves skin to skin contact between a mother and her preterm or low birth weight infant. However, the success of KMC is significantly influenced by maternal knowledge and family support.

Aim

This study to examine the impact of maternal knowledge and family support in the success of KMC.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 120 mothers and their families, who were enrolled in a KMC program at a regional hospital in Semarang, Indonesia. Data were collected using questionnaires assessing maternal knowledge of KMC practices and the perceived level of family support. The success of KMC was evaluated by measuring the frequency and duration of skin to skin contact during the first month postpartum.

Results

The study revealed that mothers with higher levels of KMC were significantly more likely to practice it correctly. Specifically, 83.3% of mothers with adequate knowledge adhered to the recommended KMC practices, compared to only 55% of mothers with limited knowledge (p < 0.01). Family support was shown to have a strong influence on the success of KMC. Mothers who received strong family support were 77.8% practiced KMC consistently for at least 6 hours a day, compared to only 45% of mothers who lacked family support (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

These results highlight the importance of educating mother and involving family in the KMC process to improve the intervention's success. Educational programs and family engagement strategies are essential for maximizing the effectiveness of KMC.