Outcome of kangaroo mother care in reducing risk of morbidity and mortality among premature or low birth weight newborns at temeke regional referral hospital in Dar es salaam, Tanzania.

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