Abstract

The burden evoked as a result of low birth weight in developing countries is a major public health problem. High mortality rates amongst this group of high-risk neonates could be reduced by the provision of quality health care. But with limited resources available and booming costs of the high technology care required for LBW neonates, it is essential to test alternative approaches that could reduce the induced separation of mother and baby, and which would be sustainable for its cost, acceptability and ease in implementation. Hence with this intention in mind, Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) was tested on low birth weight (LBW) babies of a selected tertiary hospital for its effect on the physiological parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature and oxygen saturation). Perceptions regarding KMC of mothers also assessed.The main objective of the study were to assess and evaluate the physiological parameters (temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate and oxygen saturation level) of neonates in control group and experimental group, before and after KMC( Kangaroo Mother Care) An experimental research approach is used for the present study as the study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of a KMC on physiological parameters of neonates admitted in neotology selected hospital of Haryana and Punjab. The hospital was selected on the convenient basis. Sample include 60 neonates 30 for experimental group and 30 for control group admitted in selected hospital The tool developed and used for data collection were physiological parameters record sheet . the physiological parameters record sheet consists of two sections one consists of sample characteristic of mother and neonates. Section two consist of record sheet . the physiological parameters ( temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, oxygen saturation level). Temperature was monitored through Gloe Vue digital thermometer. Heart rate, respiratory rate & oxygen saturation was monitored through multiparamonitor. The content validity of tool was established by taking opinion from experts in the fields of Pediatric nursing, obstetrics and gynecology nursing, community health nursing and neonatology. Inter observer reliability of tool was calculated by using simple kappa formula. The data obtained were analysed using both descriptive & inferential statistics in term of frequency,percentage, mean, median , standard deviation ‘t’ value.Significant findings of the study were that all the physiological parameters were within normal rage after ( at 60 min) KMC. Mean temperature (98.47 C F) on day 1 at 60th minute (after KMC) was significantly higher than mean temperature before KMC (98.05 C F) on day 2& day 3(98.39 C F) in control group.Mean heart rate (138.40) (138.06) before KMC in experimental group & control group is higher than mean heart rate day 1(137.00), day3 (137.53) of both experimental & control group. Mean respiratory rate (40.06) at 60 th min on day 3 is very low as comparatively respiratory rate (42.20) day 1 in experimental group. Mean saturation level has shown no significant change before & at 60 th min after KMC remain within normal range

Key words: Effectiveness, Kangaroo Mother Care,Physiological Parameters,Hospital ,Neonates.