Effects of Kangaroo Care on Growth in Premature Infants and on Maternal Attachment

Jang, Meyoung

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study, using a pre-post test design of non-equivalence comparative group, was done to determine effects of Kangaroo care (KC) on growth in premature infants and on maternal attachment (MA). METHODS: Fifty-three premature infants were assigned to the KC (24) or control group (CG) (29). Data were collected from July 2007 to June 2008. KC was given for 60 min at a time, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for 10 times. Weight, height, and head circumference (HC) of premature infants were checked before the program started. Following the initial measurement, the program was given and measurements were taken again at the end of the program. For measurement of attachment between mother and infant, data collection was done using structured self-reported questionnaires. RESULTS: KC group had a higher weight (t=2.565, p=.013), height (t=2.182, p=.034) and HC (t=2.468, p=.017) than the CG. Compared to the CG, the KC had significantly higher scores in MA (t=2.026, p=.048). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the practice of KC in the nursing environment might actively promote attachment between mother and infant as well as acceleration of growth for premature infants as one of the most efficient nursing intervention.