The Relationship between Knowledge, Education, and Parity with Kangaroo Care Method Practices in Mothers
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Abstract
Preterm and low birth weight (LBW) infants are vulnerable to hypothermia and need special care. Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is recommended by the World Health Organization, but its implementation by mothers is still suboptimal. Knowledge, education, and parity are thought to influence KMC practice. This study aimed to analyze the associations of knowledge, education, and parity with KMC practice and to identify the variable most strongly associated with it. A quantitative analytic study with a cross-sectional design was conducted at an independent midwifery practice in Medan, Indonesia, in October 2026. Thirty mothers of preterm or LBW infants were recruited by total sampling. Knowledge, education, and parity were measured with questionnaires, and KMC practice was assessed by direct observation using a checklist. Data were analyzed with the Chi-Square or Fisher’s Exact test and multiple logistic regression. Good knowledge was found in 43.3% of mothers, secondary education in 46.7%, and multiparity in 50.0%. Good KMC practice was shown by 46.7% of mothers. Knowledge was significantly associated with KMC practice (p = 0.011), while education (p = 0.236) and parity (p = 0.215) were not. In the multivariate model, knowledge was the variable most strongly associated with practice (AOR 7.45; 95% CI 1.23–45.03; p = 0.029). Maternal knowledge is therefore the factor most strongly associated with KMC practice. Early KMC education and mentoring, with material adapted to the mother’s education and experience, are recommended. Larger multi-site studies are needed to confirm these findings.
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