Abstract:
Background
Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is a low cost non-conventional intervention recommended by
world health organization for premature and low birthweights (LBW) newborns. Despite KMC
being supported by literature, morbidity and mortality among premature and LBW newborns
still high in developing countries including Tanzania.
Objectives
The study assessed the outcome of KMC in reducing morbidity and mortality among premature
or LBW newborns at Temeke Regional Referral Hospital (RRH) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Methods
This was a retrospective study conducted between May and June 2021 at Temeke RRHs in Dar
es Salaam. A total of 429 files of newborns who received KMC services at Temeke RRH
between January 2019 and August 2020 were reviewed. Data were analyzed using statistical
package for social sciences (SPSS) version 25. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis
were performed to explore the determinants of KMC outcome. A p-value of < 0.05 were
considered statistically significant.
Results
Out of 429 neonates file reviewed, 215(50.1%) were female and the majority 273(63.6%) had
bodyweight of (1501 – 2000) mg. Most 320(74.6%) of the neonates had Apgar score of > 7 and
365(85.1%) cried immediately after birth. Regarding mortality, only 4.7% of those who did not
completed four weeks of KMC intervention died. Those who did not completed four weeks of
KMC intervention stayed longer in the hospital (p value < 0.01). Admission weight and
frequency of feeding appeared to be the determinants of neonatal death.
Conclusion
The study found that KMC intervention is performing good to clinically stable neonates born
prematurely or with LBW. The length of hospital stay following admission for KMC
intervention depend on KMC admission body weight and frequency of feeding on neonatal
demand
