Abstract
BackgroundNeonatal jaundice (NNJ) is a major cause of preventable childhood mortality and long-term impairment especially in countries with significant prevalence of the inherited condition, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) defect. In Ghana, routine screening of pregnant women for G6PD defect is standard care. Prevention of poor health outcomes from NNJ is contingent on population health literacy and early diagnosis. As part of a project to evaluate a screening tool for NNJ, we assessed the knowledge, attitude, and perceptions of Ghanaian mothers on NNJ at baseline.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional design, mothers attending antenatal and postnatal clinics at 3 selected health facilities in 2 geographical regions of Ghana were interviewed. Data on mothers’ understanding, perceptions, beliefs, and actions towards NNJ were evaluated. Chi-square test was used to determine the association between selected maternal characteristics and knowledge, attitude, and perception to NNJ.ResultsOf the 504 mothers interviewed, 428(85.4%) had heard about NNJ, 346 (68.7%) said the earliest signs are seen in the eyes, 384(76.2%) knew NNJ may be harmful and 467(92.7%) recommended seeking healthcare for the jaundiced newborn. None of the women knew about G6PD or their G6PD status following antenatal screening. Most did not know the signs/symptoms of severe NNJ. Of the 15 mothers who had had a jaundiced neonate, cost was the most perceived (8 out of 15) barrier to accessing health care. There were significant associations (p-value ≤ 0.05) between maternal age, educational level, and knowledge of NNJ.ConclusionDespite the high level of awareness of NNJ, gaps still exit in the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of mothers concerning NNJ. Improving education of women about the causes, symptoms/signs, and the role of G6PD in severe NNJ is recommended. Addressing barriers to accessing healthcare for the jaundiced infant may enhance timely management of NNJ and reduce the associated complications and mortality.
Highlights
By the third day after birth, up to 60% of term and 80% of preterm newborn infants have “yellow” pigmentation of the eyes and skin due to neonatal jaundice (NNJ) [1]
Of the 504 mothers interviewed, 428(85.4%) had heard about NNJ, 346 (68.7%) said the earliest signs are seen in the eyes, 384(76.2%) knew NNJ may be harmful and 467(92.7%) recommended seeking healthcare for the jaundiced newborn
None of the women knew about glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) or their G6PD status following antenatal screening
Summary
By the third day after birth, up to 60% of term and 80% of preterm newborn infants have “yellow” pigmentation of the eyes and skin due to neonatal jaundice (NNJ) [1]. In severe NNJ, unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia causes significant brain damage (kernicterus), death, hearing loss, cerebral palsy and other impairments, especially in low-resource settings [4–6]. Severe NNJ is the major and most preventable cause of cerebral palsy in children attending a tertiary neurology clinic in Ghana [7], and the burden has not significantly improved in the West African region in the last five decades [8, 9]. Neonatal jaundice (NNJ) is a major cause of preventable childhood mortality and long-term impairment especially in countries with significant prevalence of the inherited condition, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) defect. As part of a project to evaluate a screening tool for NNJ, we assessed the knowledge, attitude, and perceptions of Ghanaian mothers on NNJ at baseline
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
