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The Impact of Kangaroo Mother Care on the Outcome of Premature Babies at the Regional Hospital Buea

Background: Prematurity and its complications are the leading causes of neonatal death. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is one of the neonatal interventions to prevent these main complications, improve the outcome of preterm babies and reduce neonatal mortality due to prematurity. This study was conducted to assess the impact of KMC on the morbidity and mortality of premature babies in a semi-urban setting in Cameroon.

Method: This study was a hospital-based retrospective cohort study carried out at the Buea Regional Hospital from February to April 2021. The files of neonate patients born before 37 weeks of completed pregnancy and who were hemodynamically stable were extracted and used. Participating babies selected were sorted into two groups: those who were cared for conventionally and those who were cared for through KMC. Some variables were obtained and compared between the 2 cohorts including: prevalence of hospitalisation, complications, duration of hospitalisation, mortality rate, rate of post discharge follow-up, rate of breastfeeding and increase in anthropometric parameters (head circumference, length and weight).

Results: One hundred and twenty four premature babies were retained. Forty four of these were cared for conventionally and 80 cared for through KMC. Admissions significantly increased with KMC p<0.001). The main complications before and after KMC institution were and remained: infection, jaundice, respiratory distress and anaemia. There was a reduction in the frequency of some morbidities with KMC (infection, Necrotic Enterocolitis, hypoglycaemia and feeding difficulties), though the decrease was not statistically significant (p= 0.227, 0.285, 0.353 and 0.123 respectively). The frequency of respiratory distress, apnoea and hypothermia increased with KMC, but the changes were not significant (p= 0.551, 1.000 and 0.131 respectively). There was no significant change in duration of hospitalization between the cohorts (p= 0.637). Mortality rate reduced with KMC, though not significantly (p= 0.786). KMC significantly promoted the practice of exclusive breastfeeding both in hospital and at home (p<0.001). Post-discharge follow-up significantly improved after KMC was instituted (p<0.001). Head circumference and length increased, while weight reduced at discharge with KMC, but the changes were not statistically significant (p= 0.348, 0.118 and 0.438 respectively).

Conclusion: KMC significantly increased admissions in this study. Mortality rate, infection and some other morbidities reduced, anthropometric parameters were better at discharge and post-discharge follow up improved for babies cared for through KMC. Implementation of KMC therefore has a positive effect on the outcome of preterm babies and should be intensified in resource-poor settings.

Keywords: Kangaroo Mother Care; Neonates; Growth; Outcome; Cameroon