The Effectiveness of Kangaroo Technique on Preterm Baby Weight Gain

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of the study was to assess mother’s perception about kangaroo technique, implement on hospitalized premature babies and evaluate the effectiveness of kangaroo technique on preterm babies weight gain. A quasi experimental design was used in this study. The study subjects consisted of two hundred (200) mothers divided into two identical groups. The studied group included mothers who applied the kangaroo technique, while those exposed to routine hospital care were consider a control. Data were collected through using pre-designed interviewing questionnaire to assess mothers and neonates characteristics, knowledge about kangaroo technique. An observational checklist was used to assess mothers’ practices; towards application of kangaroo technique. This technique had been applied for the study group only. The result of the study revealed that there was a statistically significant difference in mother's knowledge and practices between both study and control groups after application of kangaroo technique with significant effects on preterm baby weight and attachment. The study concluded that application of kangaroo technique enhanced mother-child attachment and had positive effect on weight gain and possibility of early discharge from neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Therefore, the study recommended the application of kangaroo technique for all low birth weight premature babies as part of the routine daily care to babies admitted to the neonatal intensive care units. [Iman Ibrahim Abd El Moniem and Madiha Amin Morsy. The Effectiveness of Kangaroo Technique on Preterm Baby Weight Gain. Journal of American Science 2011;7(1):697-702]. (ISSN: 1545-1003).