"We All Join Hands": Perceptions of the Kangaroo Method Among Female Relatives of Newborns in The Gambia. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brotherton, Helen; Daly, Maura; Johm, Penda; Jarju, Bintou; Schellenberg, Joanna; Penn-Kekana, Loveday; Lawn, Joy Elizabeth
• Is Part Of: Qualitative health research. Volume 31:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 665
• Page End: 676
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: neonate -- newborn, preterm -- low birth weight -- kangaroo mother care -- skin-to-skin -- family -- grandmother -- female relative -- gender -- qualitative -- in-depth interviews -- The Gambia -- West Africa; Health -- Periodicals; Health behavior -- Periodicals; Health -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Health behavior -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; 610.7205
• DOI: 10.1177/1049732320976365
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1049-7323

Abstract

Family support is essential for kangaroo mother care (KMC), but there is limited research regarding perceptions of female relatives, and none published from West African contexts. In-depth interviews were conducted from July to August 2017 with a purposive sample of 11 female relatives of preterm neonates admitted to The Gambia's referral hospital. Data were coded in NVivo 11, and thematic analysis was conducted applying an inductive framework. Female relatives were willing to support mothers by providing KMC and assisting with domestic chores and agricultural labor. Three themes were identified: (a) collective family responsibility for newborn care, with elder relatives being key decision makers, (b) balance between maintaining traditional practices and acceptance of KMC as a medical innovation, and (c) gendered expectations of women's responsibilities postnatally. Female relatives are influential stakeholders and could play important roles in KMC programs, encourage community ownership, and contribute to improved outcomes for vulnerable newborns.