Neonatal Jaundice Awareness, Perception and Knowledge Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Selected Private Hospitals in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Neonatal jaundice remains one of the most common neonatal conditions contributing to neonatal morbidity, mortality and preventable neurological complications. Maternal awareness, knowledge and perception play critical roles in early recognition and presentation to the hospital, enabling prompt management.

Aim: This study assessed the awareness and perception of neonatal jaundice among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in three private hospitals in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional multi-hospital-based study was conducted among 350 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics, awareness, knowledge, and perception of neonatal jaundice. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and binary logistic regression analysis were employed, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: The findings revealed that 85.1% of respondents had heard about neonatal jaundice, with health workers identified as the major source of information (61.7%). Most respondents correctly identified yellow discoloration of the eyes and skin as a sign of neonatal jaundice (69.4%). Overall, 43.7% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of neonatal jaundice, while 22.3% had poor knowledge. Tertiary education (p <0.001), multiparity (p = 0.046), and information obtained from health workers (p = 0.009) were found to be significant predictors of good knowledge.

Conclusion: Although awareness of neonatal jaundice was high among the pregnant women, important knowledge gaps and misconceptions still exist. Strengthening antenatal health education on neonatal jaundice is recommended to improve early recognition and appropriate healthcare-seeking behaviour.