Awareness and Knowledge Level of Puerperal Mothers on Neonatal Jaundice: A Qualitative Study in Northern Ghana
Keren-Happuch Twumasiwaa Boateng
*
Department of Midwifery and Women’s Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana and Faculty of Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing, Midwifery and Paediatrics Division, Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives, Accra, Ghana.
Boakye Amoakowaa Sarah
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Winneba Municipal Hospital, Winneba, Ghana.
Samuel Kwame Amoako Asirifi
Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana and Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Neonatal Jaundice is a major contributing cause of newborn hospitalizations and a major cause of newborn mortality. It should not be a major cause of mortality even in developing countries Inadequate knowledge of mothers about NNJ results in delayed decision-making to seek timely medical interventions.
Methods: Using an exploratory design, a semi-structured interview guide was used to assess puerperal mothers' knowledge of NNJ. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 15 mothers Too small size attend health services at the Tamale West Hospital with newborns sick of NNJ. An interview guide through an in-depth interview process was used to gather data. Interviews were recorded and transcribed before analyzing thematically to organize the data into major and sub-themes.
Results: Awareness of NNJ was above average, the majority of mothers had knowledge of NNJ. Reported signs and symptoms of NNJ include yellowish eyes, palms, and skin. Treatment of jaundice was cited to include the use of phototherapy, and frequent breastfeeding. Causes and risk factors associated were; infections, G6PD defects, and consumption of herbal concoctions.
Conclusions: Health education should be intensified at the various units of the hospital to correct cultural and religious practices and improve caregivers' and mothers understanding of NNJ.
Keywords: Neonate, jaundice, puerperal, knowledge, awareness