Maternal Knowledge of Neonatal Jaundice among Mothers Attending Maternal and Child Health Centers in Derna, Libya: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Neonatal jaundice is common during the neonatal period and is usually benign; however, severe hyperbilirubinemia can result in acute bilirubin encephalopathy, kernicterus, permanent neurological impairment, and death. This study was done to assess maternal knowledge regarding neonatal jaundice and identify factors associated with knowledge level among mothers in Derna, Libya. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 96 mothers of infants aged six months or younger who had a previous history of neonatal jaundice. Data were collected using a structured Arabic self-administered questionnaire using 24 questions, with one point awarded for each correct response. Knowledge scores were categorized as poor (<50%), moderate (50–74%), or good (≥75%). Most mothers (84.4%) had poor knowledge regarding neonatal jaundice. The mean knowledge score among mothers with poor knowledge was 8.68 ± 1.54, compared with 12.73 ± 1.10 among those with moderate knowledge. Recognition of yellow discoloration of the skin and/or eyes was relatively high (78.1%), as was knowledge that early initiation and frequent breastfeeding may reduce the risk of jaundice (92.7%). However, major gaps were observed in recognizing other signs as pale stools (8.3%), breast milk jaundice (7.3%), dark urine (13.5%), seizures (14.5%), permanent hearing or neurological problems (25.0%), prolonged jaundice requiring evaluation (28.1%), and the potential for severe jaundice to cause death (28.1%). In conclusion maternal knowledge of neonatal jaundice was inadequate among the studied mothers in Derna. Health education should focus on clinically important warning signs, prolonged jaundice, complications, appropriate treatment, and the need for timely professional evaluation.