Navigating Early Care: The Role of Integrated Kangaroo Mother Care and Standard Postnatal Care in Preventing Malnutrition in Low Birth Weight Children in India

Kajori Banerjee, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata

Using data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 (2019-20), this study aims to evaluate the impact of early care in the form of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) and postnatal care (PNC) on the incidence of malnutrition symptoms in low birth weight infants up to age five. In India, where 18% of newborns are born with low birth weight, these infants face a higher risk of malnutrition during their early years. The analysis includes a time-to-event approach to compare the likelihood of avoiding physical signs of malnutrition between low birth weight infants who receive early care and those who do not. Initial findings suggest that early postnatal care, especially within two days of delivery, and KMC have significant potential to mitigate the risk of malnutrition in low birth weight infants during their first five years. However, socio-economic variables along with maternal health variables play a significant role in defining the risk profiles. The ultimate aim of this work is to create a cohesive KMC-PNC early care framework designed to strengthen early care practices. This framework will offer strategies to support low birth weight babies over their life course, ensuring their healthy development and overall quality of life.

Keywords: Health and Morbidity, Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination, Population Policies

See extended abstract.

  Presented in Session P2. Data & Methods; Older Adults & Intergenerational Relation; Health, Morbidity, Longevity and Mortality; Population Ageing