Maternal Experiences of Home-based Kangaroo Mother Care Following Discharge from a Rural-Urban Health Facility, Nsawam Government Hospital, Ghana

Background: Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of child mortality worldwide and Sub-Saharan Africa is disproportionately affected. Inadequate access to cost-effective interventions in most poor resource areas threatens to increase preterm birth related mortalities. Kangaroo mother care has proven to be a cost-effective intervention and has reduced death as a result of complications of PTB by half.

Purpose: This study therefore sought to explore and document the experiences of mothers regarding KMC following discharge from Nsawam Government Hospital.

Methods: An exploratory descriptive design was used to collect data from mothers who had preterm births and their experiences of practicing kangaroo mother care at home. Fourteen participants in the Nsawam municipality were purposively selected to participate in the study. Data was analyzed using inductive thematic analyses.

Findings: The findings of the study indicated that mothers are encouraged to practice KMC based on the benefits of KMC like provision of warmth, bonding and improvement in growth and development. The study also indicated that support systems available to mothers at home included family, churches, community and healthcare providers.

Recommendations: The study recommended that; proper follow-up care should be undertaken by clinicians on mothers practicing KMC especially in their respective home environment to ensure adherence KMC practice experiences in the home.