The effect of formal, neonatal communication-intervention training on mothers in kangaroo care : original research

• Published in: African journal of primary health care & family medicine 2014-01, Vol.6 (1), p.1-9
• Main Author: Van Rooyen, Elise
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2071-2928; 2071-2936
• DOI: 10.4102/phcfm.v6i1.675

Background: Due to low-birth-weight, preterm birth, HIV and/or AIDS and poverty-related factors, South Africa presents with an increased prevalence of infants at risk of language delay. A Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) unit offers unique opportunities for training. Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine if formal, neonatal communication-intervention training had an effect on mothers' knowledge and communication interaction with their high-risk infants. Methods: Three groups of mothers participated: Group 1 was trained whilst practicing KMC; Group 2 was not trained but practiced KMC; and Group 3 was also not trained but practiced sporadic KMC. Ten mothers per group were matched for age, education level and birth order of their infants. The individual training was based on graded sensory stimulation and responsive mother-infant communication interaction, which emphasised talking and singing by the mother. Results: Significant differences were found in mother-infant communication interaction between all three groups, which indicated a positive effect on Group 1 with training. Group 2, KMC without training, also had a positive effect on interaction. However, Group 1 mothers with training demonstrated better knowledge of their infants and were more responsive during interaction than the other two groups. Conclusion: The present study suggests that neonatal communication-intervention training adds value to a KMC programme. Les effets de la formation formelle d'intervention et de communication néonatales chez les mères ayant recours ? la méthode kangourou. Contexte: En raison d'un poids de naissance trop faible, de la prématurité, de facteurs tels que le VIH et/ou le SIDA et de la pauvreté, les risques de retard de langage chez les enfants sont plus prévalents en Afrique du Sud. Le service des soins maternels de type kangourou (KMC) offre une opportunité unique de formation. Objectif: L'objet de cette étude est de déterminer si la formation formelle d'intervention et de communication néonatales avait un effet sur le savoir et l'interaction communicative des mères avec leurs enfants ? haut risque. Méthodes: Trois groupes de mères y ont participé: le Groupe 1 a été entrainé en pratiquant le KMC; le Groupe 2 n'a pas été entrainé mais a pratiqué le KMC; et le Groupe 3 n'a pas non plus été entrainé mais a pratiqué sporadiquement le KMC. On a réuni dix mères par groupe selon l'âge, le niveau d'éducation et l'ordre de naissance de leurs enfants. On a basé l'entr