Enhancing the Survival of Low Birth Weight Infants in Low-Resource Settings

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA · Apr 17, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a method called Kangaroo Care, which involves skin-to-skin contact between mothers and their low birth weight infants, along with exclusive breastfeeding. This approach is especially important in areas with limited resources, like Ghana, where many babies face risks due to being born early or being underweight. The trial aims to help mothers practice Kangaroo Care more effectively by providing them with support from trained peers and a special care package that includes items to keep their babies warm and healthy. Researchers will look at how well this support helps mothers breastfeed exclusively and maintain skin-to-skin contact after leaving the hospital.

To participate in this trial, mothers must be between 15 and 49 years old, live within 10 kilometers of the hospital, and plan to start Kangaroo Care with their babies. The study will enroll 328 mothers and will compare two groups: one that receives additional peer support and resources, and another that only receives standard care. Participants can expect to be involved in surveys about their experiences and may also have the opportunity to share their thoughts in interviews. This trial is not yet recruiting participants, but it holds promise for improving the care of low birth weight infants and supporting their mothers in low-resource settings.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• The study will consider mother-infant dyads eligible for participation if they meet all of the following criteria:
• • Mothers aged between 15 and 49 years.
• • Mothers intending to initiate facility-based Kangaroo Care, irrespective of gestational age, delivery mode, or singleton or multiple birth status.
• • Mothers capable of providing consent or those unwilling to provide consent.
• • Mothers without medical complications hindering Kangaroo Care.
• • Mothers residing within a 10-kilometer radius of the study site.
• • Infants capable of spontaneous breathing within 1 hour of birth.
• • Infants without major congenital malformations.