Knowledge and Attitude of Nigerian Health Workers Concerning Kangaroo Mother Care

Background: Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is a low-cost intervention in the care of neonates with numerous advantages that reduce mortality. Knowledge and attitude of health workers towards KMC influences practice.

Objectives: To determine the knowledge of Nigerian health workers and their attitudes towards the practice of KMC

Methods: A cross-sectional study of 157 health workers at a scientific conference. Questionnaires were used to collect information on personal and health facility information, aspects on knowledge and attitudes towards KMC. Data was analyzed using EPI INFO version 7.

Results: There were 157 respondents from different health facilities from all over the Country. The number of respondents with a good level of knowledge [142(90.4%)] surpassed those with a good level of attitude [136(86.6%)]. The level of knowledge of KMC was significantly higher among doctors (p=0.017), paediatricians (p=0.033) and respondents that worked in facilities that care for sick neonates (p=0.024). The attitude level towards KMC was significantly higher among respondents that worked in facilities that care for sick neonates (p=0.047) and those that worked in facilities with functional incubators (p=0.040).

Conclusion: There was generally good knowledge and attitudes towards KMC. There is a need for further research on the reasons for knowledge-attitude gap regarding KMC.