Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Corresponding Author: Zulfiqar A Bhutta zulfiqar. Neonatal mortality due to preterm birth and low birthweight remains a significant challenge in Pakistan. Kangaroo mother care KMC is a unique, low-cost intervention proven to reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity and increase exclusive breastfeeding rates.
However, KMC has not been attempted in community settings in Pakistan. We aim to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based KMC package to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality among preterm and low birthweight LBW infants, which will provide evidence for policy development and the large-scale implementation of KMC across the country.
The primary objective of this trial is to reduce neonatal mortality among preterm and LBW infants. The secondary objectives are growth measured as weight gain , reduced incidence of possible serious bacterial infection, and increased exclusive breastfeeding and continued breastfeeding practices. We designed a community-based cluster randomized controlled trial in one rural district of Pakistan.
Stable, LBW babies weighing grams to grams are included in the study. The community KMC package, consisting of the KMC kit, information and counseling material, and community mobilization through KMC champions village volunteers , was designed after preliminary research in the same geographical location and implemented in intervention clusters.
The standard essential newborn care is offered in the control clusters. Infants are recruited and followed up by independent teams of data collectors. Data are collected on the duration of skin-to-skin contact, growth, breastfeeding practices, morbidities, neonatal mortality, and neurodevelopment status. Data analysis will be conducted based on the intention to treat principle.
