Barriers to the implementation of the Mother Kangaroo Method in three health facilities in the central region of Cameroon
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64294/jsd.v3i4.198Keywords:
Kangaroo Mother Care, Implementation barriers, Preterm infants, Neonatal care, CameroonAbstract
Background: Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a WHO-recommended approach to reduce neonatal mortality among preterm and low birth weight infants. This study aimed to identify barriers to KMC implementation in three health facilities in the Centre Region of Cameroon.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional qualitative study with retrospective data collection in three health facilities that participated in the DIB project: Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital, Yaoundé Gyneco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital, and Bafia District Hospital. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 21 participants from the decision-making chain (administrators, physicians, nurses, midwives). Analysis was based on Bergh et al.'s progress monitoring model, structured in three phases: pre-implementation, implementation, and institutionalization.
Results: Several major barriers were identified. During pre-implementation: weak administrative involvement, difficulties in qualified staff availability, and non-compliance with infrastructural standards. During implementation: difficult communication with mothers due to linguistic and cultural barriers, mother-related obstacles (absenteeism, medical instability), family reluctance particularly from second carriers, weak post-project staff involvement, breastfeeding obstacles including "ndiba" cultural beliefs. During Institutionalization: difficult access to ambulatory follow-up care and Lack of financial incentives after project completion particularly affected staff engagement.
Conclusions: Effective KMC implementation in Cameroon requires strengthened administrative leadership, infrastructure improvements according to required standards, continuous staff training, and communication strategies adapted to the local sociocultural context. Sustainable incentives and accessible ambulatory follow-up systems are essential for successful scaling-up of this life-saving intervention.
