Affiliations: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: S.N. Lumbanraja, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia. Tel.: +62 8126536472; E-mail: sarmalumbanraja@yahoo.com.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is associated with positive neonatal outcomes. Studies demonstrated significant influence of maternal factors on the success of applying KMC. AIM: To determine maternal factors that influence on anthropometric parameters in low birth weight babies that received kangaroo mother care. METHODS: This is a randomized controlled study that involved low birth weight newborns. We randomly assigned newborns into two groups; a group who received KMC and a group who received conventional care. Maternal factors were recorded. We followed weight, length, and head circumferences of newborns for thirty days. RESULTS: A total of 40 newborns were included. Weight parameters were significantly higher in the KMC group than the conventional group. From maternal characteristics, only gestational age was found to influence increased head circumference in KMC group (p = 0.035); however, it did not affect the increase in weight or length. Maternal age, parity, education, mode of delivery, fetal sex, and initial Apgar score did not influence growth parameters in either groups. CONCLUSION: KMC was associated with increased weight gain in LBW infants. Gestational age influences head growth in infants who received KMC.
