An exploration of perceptions regarding the feasibility of implementation of kangaroo mother care in the maternity ward of Tsumeb district hospital, Namibia

Abstract

Aim: To explore perceptions regarding the implementation of KMC in the maternity ward of Tsumeb District Hospital.

Methods: This was a qualitative exploratory study. The study population are doctors and nurses working in Tsumeb District, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), and health programme administrators in the family health division of the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS), Oshikoto Region. Purposive sampling was used to select participants.

Results: KMC is currently not practised at Tsumeb District Hospital despite many infants born with low weight in the district. Perceptions were grouped into three main themes: parent-related, health worker-related and baby-related. Parent-related perceptions include self-trust, increased competency, less frustration, and active involvement of parents in baby care, which are similar to the literature and regarded as benefits of KMC. But some health workers have negative perceptions of KMC. Health worker-related perceptions included both reduced workload and an increased workload. Baby-related perceptions are reduced morbidity, increased bonding, and improved care. Most of the health workers’ perceptions are similar to the benefits of KMC found in the literature.

Conclusions: The results show that there are many barriers to KMC implementation. The main ones are lack of guidelines on care of the low birth weight infants and KMC policy guidelines.