Incidence and risk factors for neonatal jaundice in a teaching hospital in Northern Ghana

The incidence of NNJ was found to be high and ranged between mild and moderate jaundice. Important modifiable risk factors such as mother being a diabetic and pregnancy related infections should be given considerable attention during antenatal care visits. Other factors that influence birth weight should equally be addressed to minimize the risk of NNJ. The study recommends the adaption of predischarge screening of all neonates, using the TcB as a cost-effective way of early detection of NNJ in healthcare facilities in Ghana.