Abstract
Complications of prematurity are a leading cause of newborn death in Malawi. Despite early adoption of Kangaroo mother care (KMC), coverage remains low and women have expressed challenges in using the traditional wrapper-chitenje. In 2016, a study was conducted to evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of a customized KMC wrap in improving adherence to KMC practices among mothers. Mother-baby dyads (301) were randomized to receive either a customized CarePlus Wrap developed by Lærdal Global Health or a traditional chitenje. Enrolled mother-baby dyads were assessed in the KMC ward at 2-3 days after of admission, and then again at 7-15 days post-discharge. Topics covered included skin-to-skin practices, breastfeeding, perceptions of the wrap, and family/community support. Chi square tests were used to assess associations between wrap type and KMC practices. The study received ethics approval. This study found that a customized KMC wrap is highly acceptable to women and improved skin-to-skin practices in facility-based KMC: 44% of mothers using a customized wrap reported 20 or more hours per day, compared to 33% of mothers using the traditional chitenje. Women using the customized wrap reported being comfortable in keeping the baby in skin-to-skin position more often than women using the chitenje (96% vs. 71%), and they were able to tie on the wrap themselves (86% vs. 10%). At the time of discharge from KMC, more women who used the customized wrap were satisfied with the wrap than those who used the traditional chitenje (94% vs. 56%). The customized wrap did not appear to impact other newborn practices, such as breastfeeding. This study provides evidence that a customized KMC wrap is highly acceptable to mothers, and it can contribute to better skin-to-skin practices. Use of a customized wrap may be one mechanism to support mothers in practicing KMC and skin-to-skin contact in addition to other interventions.
Highlights
Complications from preterm birth are a leading cause of under-five mortality worldwide, accounting for an estimated 18% of global deaths [1]
This study found that a customized Kangaroo mother care (KMC) wrap is highly acceptable to women and improved skin-to-skin practices in facility-based KMC: 44% of mothers using a customized wrap reported 20 or more hours per day, compared to 33% of mothers using the traditional chitenje
This study provides evidence that a customized KMC wrap is highly acceptable to mothers, and it can contribute to better skin-to-skin practices
Summary
Complications from preterm birth (defined as births occurring before 37 weeks’ gestation) are a leading cause of under-five mortality worldwide, accounting for an estimated 18% of global deaths [1]. KMC has been shown to be a safe and effective way of reducing neonatal mortality [3]. Continuous KMC is associated with a reduced mortality risk of 40% at the time of discharge or at 40–41 weeks postmenstrual age and improves other outcomes, including severe infection/sepsis and weight gain [3]. KMC has been shown to lead to a large, cause-specific decrease of 51% (95% CI 18–71% reduction) in neonatal deaths with birth weight of
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