Vol. 1, Issue 1, Part A (2024)

Background: Low-Birth-Weight (LBW) infants are at a significantly increased risk of neonatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings such as rural Bangladesh. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), a low-cost and evidence-based intervention, has shown promise in improving physiological outcomes among these vulnerable neonates. This study aimed to assess the impact of KMC on the physiological stability of LBW infants in a rural healthcare setting from a nursing perspective.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted at Tanore Upazila Health Complex in Rajshahi Division, Bangladesh. A total of 60 LBW infants (birth weight < 2500g) were enrolled and equally divided into KMC (N=30) and control (N=30) groups. The KMC group received continuous skin-to-skin care and exclusive breastfeeding support, while the control group received standard incubator-based care. Physiological stability was assessed using the Neonatal Physiological Stability Index (NPSI), which includes measurements of temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, and oxygen saturation. Weight gain, feeding frequency, and early complications were also monitored over 72 hours.

Results: Infants in the KMC group demonstrated significantly improved body temperature (36.7°C vs. 35.9°C), lower respiratory rate (42±5 vs. 52±7 breaths/min), more stable heart rate (135±10 vs. 148±15 beats/min), and higher oxygen saturation (97% vs. 92%) compared to controls (p<0.05 for all). Mean daily weight gain was also higher in the KMC group (8.3g vs. 4.7g). The average NPSI score by Day 3 was significantly higher in the KMC group (8.6 vs. 6.9; p<0.001), and post-discharge readmission was lower (3.3% vs. 16.6%).

Conclusion: Kangaroo Mother Care significantly enhances the physiological stability of LBW infants and reduces early neonatal complications. The findings support the integration of KMC as a nurse-led standard care practice in primary healthcare settings across Bangladesh. Given its simplicity and efficacy, KMC should be promoted as a frontline neonatal care strategy in low-resource environments.