A cross - sectional study on knowledge and attitude regarding kangaroo mother care practice among health care providers in Ahmedabad District.

ABSTRACT

Background: One of the main reasons that Low Birth Weight (LBW) babies are at greater risk of illness and death is that they lack ability to control their body temperature. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a powerful method to promote the health and well-being of LBW babies. Aims & Objective: To assess the knowledge and attitude of Health care providers (HCPs) regarding practice of KMC. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 7 health centres located in Ahmedabad district during February, 2012-May, 2012 among 145 HCPs. Results: Mean age and work experience of HCPs was 37.83 ± 7.09years and 7.09 ± 2.13years respectively. A total of 47 (32.4%) HCPs had knowledge regarding LBW babies. When enquired about the components of KMC, 48 (33.1%) could correctly enlist all components. Only 20 (13.8%) HCPs could correctly answer that KMC can be given by any family member. A total of 107 (73.8%) HCPs replied that KMC should be given while transporting the baby to a higher centre and for prevention of hypothermia. KMC is beneficial both to mother as well as baby and it increases bonding between mother and baby was believed by 46 (31.7%) HCPs. A statistically significant association was observed between training status of the HCPs and their total score regarding knowledge related to KMC (p<0.001) as well as their age and total score (p<0.01). Conclusion: Knowledge related to KMC was poor among HCPs, although a statistically significant association was observed between their knowledge and training status. Hence, training opportunities should be created and regular training should be conducted to enhance their knowledge.