Table 2.

Knowledge of kangaroo care*

Items	Correct response in ‘experienced in KC’ group (n=411), n (%)	Correct response in ‘not experienced in KC’ group (n=450), n (%)	P values
Babies appear to be contented in KC	378 (91.7)	322 (71.6)	<0.001
Babies on oxygen therapy experience a decrease in oxygen saturation	153 (37.2)	99 (22.0)	<0.001
Babies on phototherapy can participate in KC	248 (60.3)	88 (19.6)	<0.001
Babies on vasopressors should NOT engage in KC	126 (30.7)	174 (38.7)	0.174
Babies typically experience more bradycardic episodes during KC	46 (11.2)	41 (9.1)	0.154
Babies with peripheral intravenous can participate in KC	338 (82.2)	318 (70.7)	0.516
KC has been shown to improve breathing patterns in preterm babies by reducing apnoea	308 (74.9)	257 (57.1)	0.062
KC is contraindicated in babies <28 weeks gestation	100 (24.3)	132 (29.3)	0.714
KC is contraindicated in babies weighing <1000 g	116 (28.2)	158 (35.1)	0.097
KC is now considered safe as an alternative approach to care for medically stable, continuing care preterm babies	351 (85.4)	338 (75.1)	0.971
Most babies experience a decrease in temperature during KC	45 (10.9)	63 (14.0)	0.166
Published reports of clinical observations indicate that the rate of accidental extubation is higher with KC than with traditional methods of holding	170 (41.3)	222 (49.3)	0.176
Research has indicated that babies who receive KC increase their mother’s milk supply	351 (85.4)	371 (82.4)	0.072
Research indicates that KC promotes quiet sleep	389 (94.6)	406 (90.2)	0.559
Research shows that babies with arterial lines should NOT engage in KC	160 (38.9)	162 (36.0)	0.553
The most physiologically stressful part of KC for the baby is the transfer to the parent’s chest	181 (44.0)	157 (34.9)	0.003
There is an increased risk of infection in the baby with KC	148 (36.0)	189 (42.0)	0.627

*Based on the original literature review from the Kangaroo Care Questionnaire (Engler et al, 1999)¹⁷; p<0.05 was considered significant.

KC, kangaroo care.