: MATERNAL EXPERIENCES IN CARE OF LOW BIRTH WEIGHT NEONATES IN THE NEWBORN UNIT OF JARAMOGI OGINGA ODINGA TEACHING AND REFERRAL HOSPITAL, KISUMU,KENYA

Abstract

: Low birth weight (LBW) is a global challenge with epidemiological observations reflecting that LBW babies have twenty times higher odds of dying than babies with normal birth weight above 2500g with global prevalence estimated to be 15-20% of all births representing over 20M births in a year. Mothers face various challenges while caring such babies ranging from discrimination and stigma, feeding problems and high burden of care. Study purpose: The main aim of this study is to establish prevalence and maternal experience in care of LBW neonates. Study objectives: To determine socio- demographic characteristics of mothers with LBW neonates, to establish the prevalence of LBW neonates and to explore maternal experiences in care of LBW neonates. Study population: mothers who have given birth to LBW neonates within three weeks with target determined by point of saturation. Study area: the study will be conducted in the NBU, JOOTRH. Study methodology: a cross-sectional descriptive design will be used. Data collection: structured self-administered questionnaire and an interview guide used during FGD. Data management: Microsoft Excel will be used for data entry and analysis where descriptive statistical techniques of measure of central tendency, measures of dispersion and measures of association will be used. Data presentation: graphs, tables and charts will be used to present data. Study limitations: some mothers may fail to respond to the questions in the questionnaires and if they respond might not give honest answers, problem of space where the FGD could be carried out, boredom where the researcher has to ask the same questions every time and limited resources for literature review specifically on the maternal experience. Benefits of the study: the study findings will help in addressing various ways in which maternal experiences can be eliminated by interventions like proper health education, emotional and psychological counseling.