Mothers' knowledge on neonatal jaundice in the postnatal period

Abstract

Neonatal jaundice (hyperbilirubinaemia) is a common condition worldwide. Its early detection and effective management are very important because if it becomes severe, it can lead to kernicterus (encephalopathy). This study aimed to explore the mothers' knowledge on neonatal jaundice in the postnatal period. Its objectives were to assess the knowledge of postnatal mothers on recognising neonatal jaundice in their baby, to examine the knowledge of postnatal mothers on the causes and the management of neonatal jaundice, and to find out the mothers' main sources of information. To fulfil the study's aim, a quantitative approach was adopted and data were collected by means of a structured questionnaire. The participants were recruited by convenience sampling and they had to be 18 years old or older, literate and psychologically and physically able to participate; had to be staying at the postnatal ward; and had to have a healthy baby. The response rate was 94% as in all, 31 postnatal mothers participated. The data were analysed manually using descriptive statistics and content analysis. The results suggested that postnatal mothers knew quite well the characteristics of a jaundiced infant, but they did not know the proper way of checking a baby for jaundice. Furthermore, the respondents had inadequate knowledge regarding the causes of neonatal jaundice and did not know that male sex, prematurity and breastfeeding increase its risk. Whilst the majority of the mothers knew that supplementation of feeds is not beneficial for neonatal jaundice, the majority did not know that frequent feeding is beneficial, and the majority still believed in the use of sunlight to manage neonatal jaundice even though there is insufficient evidence to approve it. Almost all the respondents declared that they had little information about neonatal jaundice and that they would like to increase their knowledge. Family and friends were identified as their main sources of information, but they preferred to get more knowledge from healthcare professionals. These results cannot be generalised to the whole population since convenience sampling and a small sample were used. However, in view of the results, several recommendations were put forward. These include reinforcing the expertise of healthcare professionals, educating the mothers and avoiding conflicting advice.