Abstract:
Background. Neonatal jaundice (NNJ) is a major cause of hospital admission during the neonatal period and is associated
with significant mortality. This case-control study with cross-sectional design sought to identify the possible factors associated
with neonatal jaundice and assess maternal knowledge level of this condition. Methods. One hundred and fifty (150) neonates
comprising 100 with clinically evident jaundice and 50 without jaundice were conveniently recruited from the Trauma and Specialist
Hospital in the Effutu Municipality. Blood samples were collected for the determination of serum bilirubin, glucose-6-phosphate
dehydrogenase (G6PD), status and blood group (ABO and Rhesus). Well-structured questionnaire was used to collect maternal
and neonate sociodemographic and clinical history. Results. Majority (54%) of neonates developed jaundice within 1–3 days after
birth with 10% having it at birth. Duration of labour and neonatal birth weight were associated with neonatal jaundice (𝑃 < 0.05).
G6PD abnormality was found in 11 (12%) of the neonates with jaundice and ABO incompatibility was present in 18%. Neonates
delivered by mothers with formal occupation and those who had prolonged duration of labour were significantly more likely to
have neonatal jaundice (OR = 4.174, 𝑃 = 0.003; OR = 2.389, 𝑃 = 0.025, resp.). Neonates with low birth weight were also more likely
to develop neonatal jaundice (OR = 2.347, 𝑃 = 0.044). Only 17.3% of mothers had heard of neonatal jaundice. School was the major
source of information on neonatal jaundice (34.6%). Majority of participants (mothers) did not know that NNJ can cause damage
to other organs in the body (90%). Conclusion. Low neonatal birth weight and prolonged duration of labour are associated with
neonatal jaundice. Mothers had inadequate knowledge of neonatal jaundice and its causes.
