Design and implementation of a community-based mother-to-mother peer support programme for the follow-up of low birthweight infants in rural western Kenya.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Globally, low birthweight (LBW) infants (<2,500 g) have the highest risk of mortality during the first year of life. Those who survive often have adverse health outcomes. Post-discharge outcomes of LBW infants in impoverished communities in Africa are largely unknown. This paper describes the design and implementation of a mother-to-mother peer training and mentoring programme for the follow-up of LBW infants in rural Kenya.

Methods

Key informant interviews were conducted with 10 mothers of neonates (infants <28 days) from two rural communities in western Kenya. These data informed the identification of key characteristics required for mother-to-mother peer supporters (peer mothers) following up LBW infants post discharge. Forty potential peer mothers were invited

SUBMITTER: Wright JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10352086 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature