Knowledge, attitudes and practices of Kangaroo mother care among health care professionals in Keetmanshoop district //Kharas region of Namibia
Loading...
Date
2019
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
This study is aimed at assessing knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of Kangaroo Mother Care among Health Care Professionals (HCPs) in the care of low birth weight babies in the Keetmanshoop district. The study was a quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive study that was conducted in 6 health facilities with 100 health care professionals in the Keetmanshoop district. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect information and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), Version 24 was used to analyse the data. Demographic data revealed that 79 (79%) of the participants were females while 21(21%) were males. Thirty (30%) of the participants were between the ages of 20 to 30, while 20 (20%) were aged between 51 to 60 years. It was discovered that 99(99%) of the respondents believed that KMC promotes bonding between the mother and her baby, while 92(92%) believed that KMC improves the mothers‟ confidence in handling their babies. Moreover, 91(91%) agreed that, KMC promotes breastfeeding. Only 39% of health care professionals underwent training on KMC, while 61% never received any training. The majority of HCPs (87%) agreed that, the policy on Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) practice is not displayed in their facilities and 58.9% believed that, the reasons for not practicing KMC was the lack of policy. The study recommends that training and education about Kangaroo Mother Care practice should be carried out on a regular basis. In addition, the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) should ensure that the policy and guidelines on the implementation of Kangaroo Mother Care are available in all health facilities in the country.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master in Public Health
Keywords
Kangaroo Mother Care, Health Care Professionals