Starting the conversation: community perspectives on preterm birth and kangaroo mother care in southern Malawi.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Despite introduction of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) in Malawi over a decade ago, preterm birth remains the leading cause of neonatal mortality. Although KMC is initiated in the health care facility, robust community follow-up is critical for survival and optimal development of preterm and low birth weight infants post-discharge. The objective of this qualitative study was to gain insight into community and health worker understanding, attitudes, beliefs and practices around preterm and low birth weight babies and KMC in Malawi.

Methods

A total of 152 participants were interviewed in two districts in southern Malawi, Machinga and Thyolo, in April 2015. Focus group discussions (groups = 11, n = 132) were conducted with pregnant women, community members and women who

SUBMITTER: Lydon M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5993970 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature