Maternal factors associated with recommended daily weight gain in low birthweight babies on Kangaroo mother care in Western Kenya

Abstract Background Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a vital, cost-effective intervention for low birthweight infants, involving extended skin-to-skin contact. WHO recommends KMC, especially in resource-limited settings. Maternal factors, such as age, influence KMC adherence and success. Studies from various countries show that factors like maternal knowledge, cultural beliefs, occupation, and income impact KMC outcomes. This study sought to determine how these factors affect daily weight gain as an outcome measure for KMC in selected hospitals in Western Kenya. Methods Analytical-cross-sectional study design was done on 275 participants in selected health facilities in Western Kenya. Data was collected using interviewer-administered structured-questionnaire, and KII. Quantitative data analysis involved bivariate analysis at p≤0.05). Qualitative data was analyzed thematically and used to triangulate the quantitative findings. Results A bivariate analysis of maternal/neonatal factors and the outcome of KMC showed that education level, maternal and neonatal complications significantly influenced newborn weight gain (p = 0.037 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Maternal perceptions, such as confidence in KMC and lower stress, were associated with higher weight gain (p < 0.0001). Implementation of KMC practices, such as skin-to-skin care, breastfeeding, and correct positioning, showed a strong positive correlation with weight gain (p < 0.0001). Conclusions The average birth weight was 1578.85g, with 38.18% of newborns meeting the recommended daily weight gain. Factors like maternal education, maternal perceptions, and KMC practices were associated with recommended daily weight gain. These findings underscore the need to integrate maternal education on KMC and support mechanisms into routine neonatal care to improve outcomes.