Neonatal Jaundice: Evaluating the Knowledge and Practice of Expectant Mothers in Aba, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Neonatal jaundice is a foremost cause of hospitalization in the first week of life worldwide. If not properly managed, it may result in significant bilirubin-induced morbidity and mortality. Aim: To evaluate the knowledge and practice of expectant mothers towards neonatal jaundice (NNJ) in Aba, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a questionnaire based study involving 300 expectant mothers during antenatal visit. Data was entered into a computer and descriptive analysis done using SPSS software version 17. Results: The respondents were aged 19 -44 years, mean age, 29.2 ± 4.6 years. Two hundred and eighty eight (96%) were aware of NNJ, and 150 (50%) had health workers as their source of information. Most, 249 (83%) knew one site of recognition of NNJ. Only 24 (8%) knew one danger sign while 264 (88%) did not know any at all. Majority, 244 (81.3%) did not know any cause of NNJ. Only 30 (10%) knew appropriate treatment modality while only 42 (14%) would appropriately take a baby with NNJ immediately to hospital. Conclusion: There is paucity of knowledge on causes and danger signs of NNJ amongst expectant mothers in Aba. Health care providers should be encouraged to disseminate information on NNJ to the general population in places of worship, communal and social gatherings.

Knowledge about Neonatal Jaundice among Nepalese Mothers

“…In sub-Sahara Africa also, exposure of newborn with jaundice to sunlight was a common practice. 21,22 The traditional practice about NNJ in Nepal was to expose the newborn in sunlight (87%) and used herbal medicine (78%) which was similar to the study in Vietnam. 23 containing turmeric while their baby had jaundice.…”

“…The study revealed that there is existence of the knowledge gap among the mothers of the babies with neonatal jaundice. 11 A study conducted by Adebami 12 showed that 217 mothers (63.5%) had appropriate knowledge, 215 mothers (36.5%) had no knowledge about neonatal jaundice. This study also showed that the knowledge of neonatal jaundice was better with increased parity, maternal age and maternal social class and attendance of antenatal care.…”

Knowledge about neonatal jaundice among Nepalese mothers

“…Majority of respondents (74%) in this study would expose their newborns to sunlight as a treatment practice for NNJ. In sub-Saharan Africa also, exposure of newborn with jaundice to sunlight was a common practice 11,22 . The traditional practice about NNJ in Nepal was to expose the newborn to sunlight (87%) and use herbal medicine (78%) which was similar to the study in Vietnam 23 .…”

“…Another study conducted in Nigeria showed that about 92.4% mothers were aware of NNJ, 67% admitted their jaundiced babies to hospital, 19.4% followed the traditional medication, and 13.2% mothers neither took their neonates to hospital nor followed any traditional medication. The study revealed that there is a knowledge gap in mothers of babies with NNJ 11 . A study conducted by Adebami 12 showed that 217 (63.5%) mothers had appropriate knowledge whilst 215 (36.5%) mothers had no knowledge about NNJ.…”

Neonatal jaundice: assessing the knowledge and intending practice of clinical medical students of Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos Nigeria

“…16 Health workers are known to be a major source of information to mothers. 17 It is not surprising then that studies done by Goodman et al, in Lagos among mothers, showed that only 34% knew that brain damage is a complication of untreated NNJ and 64% taught that sunlight is an adequate form of therapy for NNJ. 8 Ezeakar et al, also in Lagos found out that only 25% of mothers knew the correct definition of NNJ and 79% got the treatment wrong.…”