Perceptions, practices, and traditional beliefs related to neonatal jaundice among Egyptian mothers

Abstract

Neonatal jaundice (NNJ) is one of the most common neonatal disorders worldwide. It is still a main cause of avoidable brain damage, physical and mental impairment, and probable death in newborns.We aimed to assess perceptions, practices, and traditional beliefs among Egyptian mothers toward NNJ that may contribute to delayed presentation and inappropriate management of hyperbilirubinemia.This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from January to May 2015. We interviewed 400 Egyptian mothers who gave birth in <1 month before the study using a structured questionnaire. Participants were recruited from outpatients of Cairo University Teaching Hospital.This study revealed unexpected moderate knowledge and attitude scores of Egyptian mothers in most domains with a mean of 6.6 and 20.6, respectively, although the majority of them were illiterate or had low educational attainment. In terms of knowledge, 52.3% of participants had adequate knowledge about NNJ in the aspects of awareness, risk factors, management, and complications. Almost all participants exhibited moderate (89.8%) and high levels (10%) of positive attitudes toward NNJ. Maternal sociodemographic factors influenced knowledge level, attitudes, and behaviors related to NNJ in Egypt. Working mothers and those residing in urban areas were significantly more knowledgeable (P = 0.023 and 0.021, respectively), and attained higher attitude scores (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively) than housewives and rural ones. Moreover, significantly higher attitude scores (P < 0.001) were attained by those who had completed their university [22.3 (SD = 3.1)] or postgraduate education [22.2 (SD = 3.6)].The majority of Egyptian mothers have a satisfactory level of knowledge and attitudes related to NNJ. However, cultural beliefs and traditional infant care practices still have an impact on mothers regardless of their educational level.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Saudi Parents towards Neonatal Jaundice (NNJ) : A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Many of them still considered home remedies and sunlight exposure as initial treatment options. Similar practices are observed in studies from underdeveloped countries in Asia and Africa (14) .…”

“…Moawad et al (14) studied the perceptions, practices, and traditional beliefs related to neonatal jaundice among Egyptian mothers. In this study a total of 400 mothers participated and revealed moderate knowledge and attitude scores of Egyptian mothers in most domains with a mean of 6.6 and 20.6, respectively, although the majority of them were illiterate or had low educational attainment and lived in rural areas (89.5%).…”

Knowledge about neonatal jaundice among Nepalese mothers

“…Adequate maternal knowledge, early perception, and care seeking behaviour are fundamental components of effective management of NNJ 15 . In this study, only 22% of mothers had an adequate level of knowledge about NNJ whereas a study conducted in Egypt showed that 52.3% of participants had adequate knowledge about NNJ 16 . The majority (87%) of respondents knew that NNJ was yellowness of the eyes and 79% of the mothers correctly indicated the eyes as the part of the body where jaundice is first noticed.…”

Knowledge about Neonatal Jaundice among Nepalese Mothers

“…14 In this study, only 22% mothers had adequate level of knowledge about NNJ whereas a study conducted in Egypt shows that 52.3% of participants had adequate knowledge about NNJ. 15 The majority (87%) of respondents knew that NNJ was yellowness of the eyes and 79% of the mothers correctly indicated the eyes as the part of the body where jaundice is first noticed. This finding supported previous studies.…”