Abstract:
Neonatal Jaundices is a common adverse outcome among neonates in both developed and underdeveloped
countries, which is implicated by several neonatal and maternal factors. This study determined the prevalence and
determinant of neonatal Jaundice among neonates of mothers visiting the Teaching Hospital in the Cape Coast.
This cross-sectional study recruited 1011 neonates from Teaching Hospital in the Central Region, Ghana. Neonates related characteristics and maternal information were obtained using structured questionnaire and hospital’s data
records.
The overall prevalence of neonatal Jaundices was 32.9%. After adjusting for maternal age, preterm neonates [(aOR=
7.49; 95% CI (7.49(3.35 to 19.04), p<0.0001], mothers who had spontaneous vaginal births [(aOR=1.36; 95% CI (1.02 to
1.79), p=0.0402], advanced maternal age 41-45years [aOR=2.53; 95%CI (1.28 to 4.97), p=0.0099], secondly gravida
[aOR=2.87; 95% CI (2.04 to 4.07),p<0.0001], poor breastfeeding practice [aOR= 2.65; 95%CI(1.98 to 3.54),p<0.0001],
neonates with septicemia [aOR=6.37(1.84 to 12.64), p<0.0001], neonate with G6PD defect [aOR=3.99, 95% CI(1.76 to
9.07), p=0.0010], neonate with low birth weight [aOR=1.38, 95% CI(1.06 to 1.81), p=0.0188] and neonate with respiratory
distress syndrome [aOR=1.54; 95% CI(1.17 to 2.03), p=0.0022] and mothers with post-partum hemorrhage [(aOR=1.73,
95%CI (1.24 to 2.39), p=0.0013] were significant independent risk factors of neonatal Jaundice.
Prevalence of neonatal Jaundice is high among neonate in Central Ghana. These is influence by a number of
neonatal and maternal factors. It is incumbent on pediatrician to monitor and manage neonate-related adverse events to
reduce development of Jaundice in neonate.
