Knowledge, Perception and Perceived Effect of Neonatal Jaundice among Expectant Mothers at Teaching Hospitals, Ogun State

Abstract:

Neonatal jaundice (NNJ), affecting around 60% of term and 80% of preterm infants, poses significant health risks, particularly in low-resource settings. Delays in treatment due to maternal knowledge gaps or misconceptions can result in severe complications such as kernicterus. Maternal knowledge and perception are central to early recognition and care-seeking, yet gaps and misconceptions persist among expectant mothers in many low-resource settings, including Nigeria. The study aimed to assess the knowledge, perceptions, and perceived effects of NNJ among expectant mothers at selected teaching hospitals in Ogun State, Nigeria, to inform the development of effective educational interventions. A descriptive quantitative survey was conducted among 107 expectant mothers at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital and Babcock University Teaching Hospital, using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation, with hypotheses tested at the 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed gaps in maternal understanding: 69.2% had good general knowledge of NNJ, but only 40.2% recognized blood incompatibility as a cause, and 61.7% had good knowledge of NNJ complications. Perception of NNJ as a common, normal condition was divided (42.1% agreed, 40.2% disagreed). Hypothesis testing showed no significant relationship between knowledge and perception (r = 0.188, p = 0.053), but there were significant positive relationships between knowledge and perceived effects (r = 0.339, p < 0.05) and between perception and perceived effects (r = 0.334, p < 0.05). Respondents had good knowledge of neonatal jaundice; their knowledge positively impacted their perception and perceived effects of neonatal jaundice on the mother and the child. The study recommends that targeted educational interventions are essential to improve maternal understanding of NNJ, fostering proactive healthcare-seeking behaviour and reducing NNJ complications.