Knowledge about Neonatal Jaundice among Nepalese Mothers

Abstract

Background: Worldwide, Neonatal Jaundice is one of the most common disorders and causes of avoidable brain damage and physical and mental impairment, and probable death in newborns. It is an important contributor to the high neonatal morbidity and mortality in Nepal.Objective: To assess among mothers the knowledge about neonatal jaundice. Method:A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 177 mothers in selected village with convenient sampling technique.Results: Findings revealed that around half of the mothers (49.90%) had low level of knowledge (score <50%), 28.60% mothers had moderate level of knowledge (score 50-75%) and only 22% mothers had adequate level of knowledge (score >75%) regarding neonatal jaundice. A large proportion of mothers (84%) believed that danger sign of neonatal jaundice was unable to feed the baby. Few 11% mothers believed that mental retardation and death was the complication of neonatal jaundice. Few mothers (12%) were aware about the cause of neonatal jaundice. Around 74% believed that exposing the baby to the sunlight is the primary management of neonatal jaundice but only 2% heard about the phototherapy.Conclusion: Knowledge about neonatal jaundice was low among Nepalese mothers. Awareness should be created among the expecting mothers about neonatal jaundice and encourage them to take preventive measures to avert neonatal mortality and morbidity.

Maternal knowledge, attitudes and practices related to neonatal jaundice and associated factors in Shenzhen, China: a facility-based cross-sectional study

“…In this study, 45.4% of mothers had good knowledge about neonatal jaundice. This knowledge level was better than that reported in other countries such as Nepal 23 (22%), Egypt 24 (30%) and Karbala city, Iraq 25 (34%). This may be attributed to the high proportion (83.1%) of our respondents who had graduated from university.…”

“…Our study also found that education level was significantly associated with knowledge about neonatal jaundice, which was consistent with the results of an earlier review. 26 Due to differences in scoring algorithms or items investigating attitudes and practices, [23][24][25] it was difficult to compare attitudes and behaviours reported in our study with those from other countries. The majority (80.6%) of participants in this study had received prior health education on neonatal jaundice, which suggested that their knowledge about neonatal jaundice would be high.…”

“…Our study also found that education level was significantly associated with knowledge about neonatal jaundice, which was consistent with the results of an earlier review. 26 Due to differences in scoring algorithms or items investigating attitudes and practices, 23–25 it was difficult to compare attitudes and behaviours reported in our study with those from other countries.…”