Effectiveness of Kangaroo Care on Temperature and Weight Gain in Low Birth Weight Babies of Post Natal Mothers at Selected Hospitals in Madurai, Tamil Nadu

The quantitative approach was used to evaluate the effectiveness of Kangaroo care on temperature and weight gain in Low Birth Weight babies of Post natal mothers at selected hospitals, Madurai. The research design used in the study was quasi experimental pre test-post test control group design. This study was conducted in the NICU of selected hospitals such as Navamani Childrens Hospital, Apollo Multi Speciality Hospital, Aberam Childrens Hospitals and Karthik Childrens Hospital at Madurai The target population of the study was the post natal mothers of LBW babies in selected hospitals in Madurai, who were admitted in NICU during the month of 09.06.2008 to 04.07.2008. Sample size consisted of 50 Low birth weight babies of mothers i.e. 25 in experimental group and 25 in control group. Non probability, purposive convenient sampling was used to select the subjects. The data was collected by using following instrument Section - I : A planned interview schedule which has two sections.

Part A : Demographic proforma of the mother and new born.

Part B : Planned interview questions on knowledge Kangaroo care of LBW babies. Section II : An observation check list for the technique of practicing Kangaroo care.

Section III : An assessment tool to check the effectiveness of Kangaroo care on temperature and weight during pre test and post test. Pretest was conducted both the groups by planned interview schedule and observed the practice and the planned teaching was conducted only to the experimental group. Then the Kangaroo care was given continuous three days at one hour duration, Pre and post temperature and weight was checked. On the third day post test was conducted to the both experimental and control group. Each day 2-3 mothers of LBW babies were assessed. The collected data were analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistics (independent 't' test) and Chi-square analysis was also used and it was found to be effective when compared with pre test and post test scores. The experimental group showed significant improvement in temperature and weight. 95% confidence interval of difference in temperature (0.36991 - 0.17409). 95% confidence interval of difference in weight (0.06151 - 0.07081).