Assessing Knowledge and Practices Regarding Kangaroo Mother Care among Healthcare Professionals in Lahore General Hospital, Lahore

Background: Kangaroo mother care is skin-to-skin contact between the mother’s chest and her baby providing enough breastfeeding for preterm and low birth weight babies. This technique is cost-effective and alternative to an incubator. Aim: The study aimed to examine the knowledge and practice regarding kangaroo mother care among healthcare professionals at Lahore General Hospital, Lahore. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at pediatric units, obstetrics units, emergency operation theater for C section and labor room of Lahore General Hospital, Lahore. Sample size was 150. Participants were selected by purposive sampling technique. Data was collected using a pretested questionnaire and analyzed with statistical pakage for social sciences version 27. Result: Results indicated that 70% of participants had poor knowledge and 63% of participants had poor practice regarding Kangaroo Mother Care. A significant portion of participants 57.3% knew that Kangaroo Mother Care can be given by the mothers. More interestingly, more than half of participants 62% talked about Kangaroo Mother Care to mothers daily. Conclusion: Participants generally had poor knowledge and practice regarding kangaroo mother care. However, continuous education and training are crucial to address identified gaps and ensure competency. Addressing the gaps found in the current study is indispensable to bridge this gap.