Neonatal jaundice in Ghanaian children: Assessing maternal knowledge, attitude, and perceptions
Nana Ayegua Hagan Seneadza1, Genevieve Insaidoo2, Hilda Boye3
1Department of Community Health, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
Insights
Neonatal jaundice awareness is high among Ghanaian mothers, but knowledge gaps persist regarding its causes, severe signs, and the role of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Improving maternal education and addressing healthcare access barriers are crucial for preventing infant complications.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Neonatal Care
- Genetics
Background:
- Neonatal jaundice (NNJ) is a significant cause of preventable infant mortality and long-term impairment, particularly in regions with high prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.
- Ghana routinely screens pregnant women for G6PD deficiency, making maternal health literacy and early diagnosis critical for preventing adverse outcomes from NNJ.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the baseline knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Ghanaian mothers regarding neonatal jaundice (NNJ).
- To identify gaps in understanding that could impact the prevention and management of NNJ, especially in the context of G6PD deficiency.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 504 mothers attending antenatal and postnatal clinics in Ghana.
- Data collection through interviews focusing on mothers' understanding, beliefs, and actions related to NNJ.
- Statistical analysis using Chi-square tests to associate maternal characteristics with NNJ knowledge and perceptions.
Main Results:
- High awareness of NNJ (85.4%) and its potential harm (76.2%), with most mothers recommending healthcare for jaundiced newborns (92.7%).
- Significant knowledge gaps identified, including lack of awareness regarding G6PD deficiency and its implications, and limited knowledge of severe NNJ signs.
- Maternal age and educational level showed significant associations with NNJ knowledge (p ≤ 0.05). Cost was a perceived barrier to healthcare access for jaundiced infants.
Conclusions:
- Despite widespread awareness, substantial gaps in maternal knowledge and perceptions about NNJ persist in Ghana.
- Enhanced educational initiatives are needed to inform mothers about NNJ causes, signs, and the critical role of G6PD deficiency.
- Addressing healthcare access barriers is essential for timely management of NNJ to reduce complications and mortality.
Background:
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. 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.
Methods:
Using 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.
Results:
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 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.
Conclusion:
Despite 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.
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