Achieving high coverage of Kangaroo mother care practice is possible: Lessons from implementation research for accelerating scale-up in Tigray Region, Ethiopia.

AIM: To evaluate coverage of effective Kangaroo mother care (KMC) by developing a model that would result in high coverage (≥80%) of KMC for newborn weighing less than 2000 g at birth in Tigray region, Ethiopia. METHODS: The study used formative research and continuous programme learning in iterative cycles of model development and modification conducted in close collaboration with the Tigray Regional Health Bureau. Quantitative methods were used to evaluate the various models. All study facilities were enrolled simultaneously, and hospitals and health centres were considered to become KMC-providers. RESULTS: The final scalable model implemented in two rural districts and one special urban zone of Tigray region attained the desired objective, with coverage of effective KMC of 82.3% at discharge. CONCLUSION: Achieving high coverage of KMC is possible through the design of context-specific implementation strategies. The key factors for success were the commitment and strong leadership from the regional health bureau, strong linkages within the health system and between different departments within health facilities, improved health worker knowledge, skills and attitudes, hospitals and health centres that supported KMC performance, and systematic generation and use of data for continuous quality improvement.

Barriers and Enablers of KMC Implementation in Health Facility and Community of Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia: Formative Research.

Background: Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is an evidence-based approach to reducing morbidity and mortality in low-birth-weight and preterm newborns. Barriers for KMC and its effective practice at a larger scale are highly affected by contextual factors. The purpose of this study is to explore barriers and enablers in the community and health facilities for implementation and continuation of KMC. Methods: This formative study employed a qualitative exploratory approach using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews in five zones of Tigray region, Northern Ethiopia. A total of 16 focus group discussions and 46 in-depth interviews were conducted with health workers and community members. The whole process of data collection took an iterative approach. An inductive thematic analysis was done by going through the transcribed data using ATLAS.ti software. Results: The current study found that problems of infrastructure and equipment for KMC practice, shortage of staff, and absence of trained health workers as the most frequently mentioned barriers by health workers. Low level of awareness, lack of support, mother being responsible for the rest of the family, holding babies in the front being traditionally unacceptable, and preference of incubators for better care of small babies were among the barriers identified in the community. Presence of community health workers and the positive attitude of the community towards them, as well as antenatal and postnatal care were among the favorable conditions for the implementation of KMC at health facilities and continuation of KMC at home. Conclusion: Empowering health workers through training to identify preterm and low-birth-weight babies, to do follow-ups after discharge, and creating awareness in the community to change the perception of kangaroo mother care are necessary.