Correlates of Low Birth Weight and Effectiveness of Kangaroo Mother Care for its Management: Lessons Learned from A Tertiary Care Hospital of Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

The study focuses on socio-economic, demographic, biological, and obstetrical correlates of preterm birth and low birth weight of neonates. It also evaluates the effectiveness of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) as a low-cost approach to managing the issue of low birth weight. Data collected from Services Hospital; a tertiary hospital situated in Lahore, Pakistan has been utilized.  Results showed that factors such as parents' education, working status, and wealth status, as well as the mothers' age, age of gestation, and parity and gravida, were associated with low birth weight. Evidence showed weight gain after using KMC with 5 to 10 days of skin-to-skin contact and exclusive breastfeeding, leading to better health and early discharge from the hospital. However, socio-economic factors were not only correlated with preterm and low birth weight but also a hurdle to using KMC.  The study provides insights for policymakers and highlights the need to address socio-economic backwardness to improve neonatal health.