Maternal knowledge, attitude, and practice about neonatal jaundice

Neonatal jaundice is one of the most common neonatal problems with high morbidity and mortality and can lead to brain injury or even death in healthy infants. Maternal knowledge, attitude, and practice have a significant impact on the prevention of complications of jaundice. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers living in Jiroft about neonatal jaundice.

This cross-sectional study was performed on 385 mothers with neonatal jaundice referred to Jiroft Imam Khomeini hospital in 2017 that were otherwise healthy. Convenience sampling method was used. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 23.

The mean age of mothers was 27.7 ± 6.49 years. 202 cases (52.5%) were male and 183 cases (47.5%) were female. Mean age of neonates with jaundice 6.26 ± 2.92 days. About 64% of mothers had a high school diploma. The mean score of knowledge was 11.64 ± 3.25, (0-19), mothers 'attitude was 39.44 ± 5.69(11-55) and mothers' practice was 36.81 ± 4.36(9-45). In this study, there was a statistical significant relationship between mothers' education level and their attitudes.(P value <0.05)

Knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers living in Jiroft about jaundice was favorable. It is recommended that mothers' knowledge, attitude and practice about neonatal jaundice be conducted in the villages.