Preprint / Version 1

Knowledge of Breastfeeding and Kangaroo Mother Care Practices Among General Practitioners in Rural Western India

Authors

  • Nisha MS Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
  • Nitesh MD Department of Pediatrics, Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad, Gujarat, India
  • Smit DCH Department of Pediatrics, Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad, Gujarat, India
  • Jeroan MS Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
  • Apurv PhD Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
  • Somashekhar MD Department of Pediatrics, Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad, Gujarat, India

Keywords:

kangaroo mother care method, breast feeding, infant, newborn, India

Abstract

Breastfeeding and Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) are interventions to reduce neonatal mortality and undernutrition. We investigated the knowledge of allopathic and Ayurvedic, Yoga-naturopathy, Siddha, and Homeopathic (AYUSH) general practitioners in rural western India and identified attributes associated with awareness and knowledge on these topics. Methods: This cross-sectional study of general practitioners in the Anand district of Gujarat, India, used an anonymous self-reported survey. Multivariable regression models were used to identify practitioner attributes associated with awareness and knowledge. Results: Among the 158 respondents, a quarter (26.0%) were trained in allopathic medicine and 63.0% had practiced for 5 years or more. The average score of breastfeeding knowledge was 8.0 of 13. Most (79.1%) did not have any awareness of KMC. After adjusting for potential confounders, knowledge of breastfeeding practices among AYUSH practitioners was 4-fold greater than that of allopathic practitioners (incidence rate ratio: 3.9; 95% CI: 3.2–4.6). By contrast, AYUSH practitioners had 80% decreased odds of awareness about KMC compared with allopathic practitioners (odds ratio: 0.2; 95% CI: 0.1–0.3). Discussion: This study demonstrates distinct knowledge gaps among allopathic and AYUSH general practitioners regarding breastfeeding and KMC. There is a need for tailored continuing medical education among general practitioners to enhance their clinical knowledge of newborn care practices to achieve improvements in neonatal health. Keywords: kangaroo mother care method, breast feeding, infant, newborn, India

Author Biography

Nisha MS , Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA

Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA