Viva Medika: Jurnal Kesehatan, Kebidanan dan Keperawatan
Vol 19 No 2 (2026)

The Effectiveness of Kangaroo Mother Care on Thermoregulation Stabilization in Low Birth Weight Infants

Rahmat Kurniawan (Poltekkes Kemenkes Palu)
Elsy Dinimayanti (Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Widya Dharma Husada)
Lenny (Poltekkes Kemenkes Palu)
T.Iskandar Faisal (Poltekkes Kemenkes Aceh)
Nuswatul Khaira (Poltekkes Kemenkes Aceh)
Alfian Helmi (Poltekkes Kemenkes Aceh)
Siti Kusnul Khotimah (Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Mayapada)
Mursiah Mursiah (RSUD Kota Tangerang)



Article Info

Publish Date
21 Jul 2026

Abstract

Introduction: Low birth weight (LBW) infants are at high risk of hypothermia due to immature thermoregulation mechanisms. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), characterized by continuous skin-to-skin contact, is recommended as a simple and cost-effective intervention to maintain thermal stability. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of KMC in stabilizing body temperature among LBW infants in a perinatology ward. Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a one-group pretest–posttest design was conducted from December 2022 to January 2023 in the Perinatology Room of Tangerang Hospital, Tangerang City. A total of 40 LBW infants were recruited using total sampling. Body temperature was measured using a digital thermometer before and after KMC implementation. Data were analyzed using a paired t-test with a significance level of p < 0,05. Results: Prior to KMC, 87,5% of infants experienced hypothermia, while only 12,5% had normal body temperature. After KMC intervention, 100% of infants achieved normal temperature ranges (36,5°C–37,3°C). Statistical analysis showed a significant difference in mean body temperature before and after KMC (p = 0,001), indicating that KMC effectively improved thermoregulation in LBW infants. Conclusion: Kangaroo Mother Care significantly enhances thermal stability in low birth weight infants and can be implemented as a safe, non-invasive, and low-cost intervention in perinatology settings. Integrating KMC into standard neonatal care protocols may contribute to reducing hypothermia-related complications and improving neonatal outcomes.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

VM

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health

Description

Viva Medika Is a journal that publishes articles or research results relating to health, nursing and midwifery issues. Viva Medika is published by Harapan Bangsa University twice a year (September and February). The mission of the Journal of Viva Medika is to disseminate and discuss scientific ...