Knowledge and attitude about neonatal jaundice among Nepalese mothers

<p>Sharmila Shrestha</p>

Knowledge and attitude about neonatal jaundice among Nepalese mothers

Sharmila Shrestha

Maternal and Child Health Nursing, Nepal

: J Womens Health, Issues Care

Abstract

Neonatal jaundice (NNJ) is one of the most common disorder worldwide and still a cause 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. The objectives of the study were to assess the knowledge and attitude among mothers about NNJ. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 177 mothers in selected village of Kathmandu valley with interview schedule and convenient sampling technique. In this study, majority of the respondents 57.10% were in the age group of 26-30 years, almost all of them (98.7%) had at least four antenatal visits; 81.60% were Hindus; 50.60% were educated up to eleven class; and 42.90% were housewives. 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 NNJ. A large proportion of mothers (77.90%) believed that danger sign of NNJ was unable to feed the baby. Majority 76.6% mothers believed that mental retardation was the complication of NNJ; 69.10% mothers were aware about the NNJ, where less than half 34% mothers got the information from the health personnel about it. Few mothers 26.80% were aware about the cause of NNJ. Around 74% believed that exposing the baby to the sunlight is the home management of NNJ but only 25% heard about the phototherapy. Age, educational level, and occupation didn’t show any statistically significant relationship with knowledge about NNJ (P <0.05). Knowledge about NNJ was low in this community. So, the mothers should give proper health education about the NNJ during the antenatal visits and public awareness should be created through different media.