1. THIKRAYAT HUSSAIN ALSAYHATI - Clinical Resource Nurse, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Nursing Department, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal Ministry of National Guard Eastern Region Dammam.
2. AMIRA ABDULLAH ALABBAD - Staff Nurse, Labor and Delivery, Nursing Department, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal hospital, Ministry of
National Guard Easty Region Dammam.
3. NORA FAHAD ALSALAMH - Staff Nurse, Nursing Department, Aljber Eye and Ent Hospital in alhasa, Eastern Region Alahsa.
4. RAWAN HANAIN - Radiology Technologist, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal Hospital
National Guard Dammam.
5. BASSEMAH HASSAN AL FARAJ - Pharmacy Technical, Pharmacy Department, Qatif Central Hospital, Eastern Region Qateef.
6. ZAINAB MAHDI SALEH ALBUSURUR - Clinical Pharmacists, Pharmacy Department, Dammam Prison Health Center, General Administration of Prison Health, Ministry of Interior.
7. HANAN AHMED ALI ALSOMALI - Nurse Manager, Nursing Department, Informatics & Resource Systems, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal
hospital, Ministry of National Guard, Eastern Region Dammam.
8. KHADIJA ALI ALKHAMIS - Assistant Nurse Manger, Emergency Department, King Abdulaziz Medical City, National Guard Hospital
Riyadh.
Background: Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is a proven, low-cost intervention for improving outcomes in preterm and low-birth-weight (LBW) infants. It involves skin-to-skin contact, exclusive breastfeeding, and early discharge with follow-up. Despite global recommendations, KMC implementation remains inconsistent, particularly in resource-limited settings. This systematic review aimed to synthesize current evidence on the knowledge, practices, barriers, and facilitators affecting KMC delivery, with emphasis on the role of neonatal nurses and system-level factors. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted for studies published between 2002 and 2024. Inclusion criteria focused on original studies examining KMC-related knowledge, implementation strategies, outcomes, and nurse education. Ten studies were included in the review, encompassing cross-sectional surveys, randomized trials, and qualitative research. Findings were thematically synthesized and supported by additional evidence from seven key studies. Results: The review identified significant variability in nurses’ knowledge and confidence regarding KMC. Barriers included insufficient staff training, lack of institutional policies, and maternal hesitation influenced by sociocultural norms. Educational interventions improved nurses’ competencies and attitudes toward family - centered care. Community-initiated KMC models, as demonstrated in large-scale randomized trials, effectively reduced neonatal mortality but required structured follow-up and family support. Contextual challenges such as stigma, resource limitations, and communication gaps were also prevalent. Studies emphasized that provider encouragement and culturally adapted strategies enhance maternal engagement and continuity of care. Conclusion: KMC implementation is a multifactorial process influenced by provider preparedness, institutional readiness, and community dynamics. Strengthening nurse education, developing clear protocols, and fostering family involvement are critical for sustainable KMC adoption. A coordinated approach involving health systems and communities is essential to improving neonatal survival and bridging the gap between evidence and practice.
Kangaroo Mother Care, Neonatal Nursing, Preterm Infants, Low Birth Weight, Education, Community Health, Implementation Barriers, Systematic Review.