Published Paper Details:

Abstract: This quasi-experimental study assessed the effectiveness of a structured educational package on Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) in reducing the risk of postnatal depression (PND) among mothers of newborns admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of a selected tertiary hospital in Indore. A total sample of 100 mothers (50 intervention, 50 comparison) was enrolled using consecutive sampling. The intervention group received a structured educational package (verbal counselling, demonstration, 12-minute video, and printed leaflet) plus routine NICU support; the comparison group received routine NICU care only. Primary outcome was risk of PND measured by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at baseline (during NICU stay) and at 6 weeks postpartum. Secondary outcomes included maternal knowledge about KMC and self-reported KMC practice. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, paired and independent t-tests, Chi-square tests and logistic regression to adjust for confounders. The intervention group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in mean EPDS score from baseline to 6 weeks (mean ? = -5.8, p < 0.001) and a marked reduction in proportion at risk of PND (EPDS >=13) compared with the comparison group (18% vs 54%, p < 0.001). Adjusted logistic regression showed mothers in the intervention group had lower odds of PND risk at 6 weeks (AOR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.08-0.57). The structured educational package on KMC effectively reduced risk of PND among NICU mothers. Integration of structured KMC education into routine NICU practice is recommended.