Observations, Beliefs & Science Among Obstetricians on Kangaroo Mother Care in India

Abstract Objective: To obtain insights into the knowledge and attitudes of obstetricians towards “kangaroo mother care” (KMC), and to identify their role in it in India. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study in the form of a comprehensive, structured questionnaire-based survey was conducted and disseminated to several obstetricians across various cities in India between January and June 2023 using an online survey tool by the “snowball” sampling method. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Each response was assigned a specific weight. A scoring system was developed using the partial credit model. Scores were categorized using the Jenks break classification into “low”, “moderate”, and “high”. The Mann–Whitney U-test was carried out to explore the relationship between participant scores with age and location of practice. Results: The final dataset consisted of 215 obstetricians across India. Most respondents (89.30%, 192/215) were aware of the impact of KMC on reducing neonatal mortality (though the precise figures were less known). The term “KMC” was used interchangeably with skin-to-skin contact at birth by 69.77% (150/215) of respondents. The “Belief section” received a positive response, with most participants advocating for antenatal counselling on KMC and its inclusion in obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics curricula. We found that 98 (45.6%) and 90 (41.9%) respondents scored moderate-to-high in the Science and Observations sections, respectively, and 90 (41.9%) excelled in the Beliefs section. There were significant associations (P = 0.011 and 0.018, respectively) between the age of the practitioner and his/her knowledge and practices of KMC, and between those who worked in academic centers compared with those who did not in terms of their beliefs towards KMC practices (P = 0.020), suggesting that exposure and experience in the field enhanced the understanding of KMC, highlighting the need for targeted training for new obstetricians. Conclusion: Obstetricians exhibited positive attitudes and beliefs towards KMC and were ready to increase their knowledge and practices. It is crucial to collaborate and harness this potential to ensure their greater involvement in KMC implementation.