Browsing by Author "Bilal, Selamawit M"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Barriers for kangaroo mother care (KMC) acceptance, and practices in southern Ethiopia: a model for scaling up uptake and adherence using qualitative study
    (2021-01-07) Bilal, Selamawit M; Tadele, Henok; Abebo, Teshome A; Tadesse, Birkneh T; Muleta, Mekonnen; W/Gebriel, Fitsum; Alemayehu, Akalewold; Haji, Yusuf; Kassa, Dejene H; Astatkie, Ayalew; Asefa, Anteneh; Teshome, Million; Kawza, Aknaw; Wangoro, Shemels; Brune, Thomas; Singhal, Nalini; Worku, Bogale; Aziz, Khalid
    Abstract Background Globally, approximately 15 million babies are born preterm every year. Complications of prematurity are the leading cause of under-five mortality. There is overwhelming evidence from low, middle, and high-income countries supporting kangaroo mother care (KMC) as an effective strategy to prevent mortality in both preterm and low birth weight (LBW) babies. However, implementation and scale-up of KMC remains a challenge, especially in lowincome countries such as Ethiopia. This formative research study, part of a broader KMC implementation project in Southern Ethiopia, aimed to identify the barriers to KMC implementation and to devise a refined model to deliver KMC across the facility to community continuum. Methods A formative research study was conducted in Southern Ethiopia using a qualitative explorative approach that involved both health service providers and community members. Twenty-fourin-depth interviewsand 14 focus group discussions were carried out with 144study participants. The study applied a grounded theory approach to identify,examine, analyse and extract emerging themes, and subsequently develop a model for KMC implementation. Results Barriers to KMC practice included gaps in KMC knowledge, attitude and practices among parents of preterm and LBW babies;socioeconomic, cultural and structural factors; thecommunity’s beliefs and valueswith respect to preterm and LBW babies;health professionals’ acceptance of KMC as well as their motivation to implement practices; and shortage of supplies in health facilities. Conclusions Our study suggests a comprehensive approach with systematic interventions and support at maternal, family, community, facility and health care provider levels. We propose an implementation model that addresses this community to facility continuum.