Impact of Kangaroo Mother Care on Physiological Parameters and Health Experiences of Primiparous Mothers at a Tertiary Care Center: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Introduction: Preterm birth, delivery before 37 weeks of gestation, represents a critical global health challenge. With approximately 15 million premature births annually, these infants are predisposed to various health complications, significantly impacting under-five mortality rates. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) in improving physiological parameters and maternal experiences in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Objectives: Determine the impact of kangaroo mother care on the physiological parameters among preterm neonate babies admitted in NICU and explore the health experience of primigravida mothers on Kangaroo Mother Care. Methods and Materials: This study employed an Explanatory Sequential mixed-method approach, with a quasi-experimental one-group pre-test post-test design, focusing on 60 preterm infants at the Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children, Chennai. Initial physiological parameters such as heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, body temperature, weight, and sleep were documented. Following the KMC intervention, these parameters were reassessed. The qualitative phase explored the emotional and psychological impacts on six primigravida mothers using KMC through unstructured interviews and thematic content analysis. Data tools were validated for accuracy and reliability, and ethical considerations were meticulously observed, including informed consent from all participants. Results: Post-KMC, significant enhancements in physiological parameters were noted: 70% of infants showed improved heart rate stability, respiratory rates normalized in 33.33% of the cases, and 25% reached optimal oxygen saturation levels. Furthermore, 70% of neonates achieved normal weight gain standards. Qualitative analysis revealed themes and subthemes such as 'Improvements in Mental Health' (Enhanced Confidence, Increased Happiness), 'Knowledge' (Training, Realization, Sharing), 'Support' (Hospital care, Family support), 'Bonding' (Altruistic Actions, Identifying with Others), and 'Physiological Changes' (Enhanced Immunity, Heartbeat Regulation, Improvement in Sucking, Weight Management). These themes were pivotal in understanding the comprehensive benefits of KMC. Additionally, there was a notable association between the infants' physiological improvements and maternal sociodemographic factors, with a marked correlation in outcomes among mothers under 20 years old and those employed in unskilled or semi-professional roles. Conclusion: Kangaroo Mother Care significantly enhances the physiological parameters of preterm neonates while providing substantial psychosocial benefits to mothers. The findings advocate for the integration of KMC into standard neonatal care, particularly in resource-limited settings, to mitigate the complications associated with preterm births.