Prevalence and risk factors for neonatal jaundice: a multicentre analytical cross-sectional study at neonatal intensive care units, Mogadishu, Somalia

Higher maternal age, prolonged labour, blood group ABO incompatibility, Rh incompatibility and neonatal sepsis are significant risk factors for neonatal jaundice. Efforts for prevention and timely management of ABO and Rh incompatibility, prolonged labour and neonatal sepsis are required to reduce cases of neonatal jaundice. Special attention should be given to newborns of older mothers and those born through vaginal delivery as they are at higher risk of developing neonatal jaundice. Further research is needed to conclusively identify the role of neonatal sex as a risk factor for neonatal jaundice.