THE ASSESSMENT OF MOTHERS’ KNOWLEDGE REGARDING NEONATAL JAUNDICE AND ITS TREATMENT

Abstract

Background: Neonatal jaundice is common in newborns, affecting about 60% of term and 80% of preterm infants in the first week of life. While most cases are benign, severe hyperbilirubinemia can lead to serious conditions like acute bilirubin encephalopathy or kernicterus, resulting in neurological damage or death. Early identification and management rely on maternal awareness, as mothers are key in recognising warning signs. In low- and middle-income countries, such as Pakistan, limited maternal knowledge can delay healthcare-seeking and increase risks. Objective: To assess mothers’ knowledge regarding neonatal jaundice and its treatment among mothers attending a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Settings: Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Duration of Study: January 2025 to June 2025. Methods:  A total of 187 mothers of neonates were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected using an adopted and translated structured questionnaire comprising demographic variables and 14 knowledge-based items on the definition, causes, complications, and treatment of neonatal jaundice. Each correct response was worth 1 point, for a maximum score of 14. Knowledge levels were categorised as good (>66.6%), moderate (33.3–66.6%), and poor (<33.3%). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to summarise the findings. Reliability of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, while construct validity was examined using the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin measure and Bartlett’s test of sphericity. Results: Among the 187 participants, the majority were aged 26–35 years (57.8%), had matric or intermediate education (59.4%), and resided in urban areas (79.7%). Most mothers correctly identified neonatal jaundice as a yellow discolouration of the skin (84.0%) and recognised that it commonly occurs in newborns (75.4%). However, misconceptions were frequently observed. Nearly half of the participants believed that maternal dietary intake could cause jaundice (49.2%), while 36.9% attributed the condition to improper breastfeeding. Regarding complications, 62.0% believed jaundice could lead to neonatal death, and 60.4% recognized its potential to cause brain damage. Despite this awareness, 45.5% reported that they might delay seeking hospital care if jaundice developed in their newborn. Overall knowledge assessment showed that 39.0% of mothers had poor knowledge, 38.0% had moderate knowledge, and only 23.0% demonstrated good knowledge regarding neonatal jaundice and its treatment. Conclusion: Maternal knowledge regarding neonatal jaundice in this population was generally limited, with persistent misconceptions about its causes and management. Strengthening maternal education through antenatal counselling, postnatal guidance, and community health awareness programs may improve early recognition and timely healthcare utilisation, thereby reducing the risk of preventable complications associated with neonatal jaundice.