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Published on: August 24, 2011
Societal awareness on neonatal hyperbilirubinemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Zubaida L Farouk1, Fatima Usman1, Baba Maiyaki Musa2
1Department of Paediatrics, Bayero University, Kano Nigeria.
Insights
Societal awareness of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, a condition requiring early recognition to prevent brain damage, is estimated at 67%. Targeted interventions are needed to improve public knowledge, especially in low-resource settings.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Health
- Public Health
- Medical Research
Background:
- Early recognition of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is crucial to prevent bilirubin-induced neurotoxicity and long-term complications.
- High rates of home delivery and early discharge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) necessitate robust community surveillance for neonatal jaundice.
- Limited societal awareness poses a significant challenge to timely detection and management of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the level of societal awareness regarding neonatal hyperbilirubinemia through a comprehensive literature review.
- To identify factors influencing public knowledge and awareness of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and its associated risks.
- To highlight the need for improved public health initiatives to enhance understanding of neonatal jaundice.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was conducted, searching multiple databases and grey literature for relevant studies.
- A total of 211 citations were retrieved, with 52 selected articles undergoing further detailed review and data extraction.
- Statistical analysis was performed using Stata software to pool estimates and assess determinants of awareness, including publication bias analysis.
Main Results:
- The pooled estimate indicated that 67% (95% CI: 60-74) of society demonstrated awareness of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
- Publication bias was detected, suggesting potential overestimation of awareness in some studies.
- Studies employing graded knowledge assessment reported lower awareness estimates. Hospital location was a significant determinant of awareness regarding complications.
Conclusions:
- Societal awareness of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is moderate but insufficient, necessitating targeted interventions.
- There is a significant need to improve public knowledge and understanding of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, particularly in LMICs.
- Future strategies should focus on community-based education and accessible healthcare information to mitigate risks associated with neonatal jaundice.
Abstract:
Early recognition of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is essential for prevention of bilirubin neurotoxicity and its long-term sequelae. High rates of home delivery in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as well as early discharge post-delivery (within 24hours) make community surveillance for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia highly important. Here, we performed a literature review to estimate the level of societal awareness of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. We searched several databases for studies assessing the knowledge and awareness of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. We retrieved 211 citations from 206 databases with five being in the grey literature. 52 selected articles were further reviewed. Data from these studies were then analyzed using Stata software (Statacorp® LLC Texas USA). We found that the pooled estimate of societal awareness of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia was 67% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 60, 74). There however was a publication bias (Begg test: P ≤ 0.01; Egger P = 0.06). Studies that scored or graded knowledge reported lower estimates [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = -0.17; 95% CI: -0.32-0.02; P = 0.03]. Hospital location was an important determinant of awareness of complications [aOR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.30-0.57; P = 0.03]. We therefore concluded that there is a significant need to improve societal awareness of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
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