Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Pediatricians in The Management of Neonatal Jaundice

Background: Jaundice due to unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia is the most common clinical problem in the neonatal period in many parts of the world. Management of hyperbilirubinemia remains a challenge for neonatal medicine due to the risk of serious neurological complications related to bilirubin toxicity.Aim and objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of pediatricians in the management of neonatal jaundice and find out the KAP determinants as scientific degree, place of work, working in NICU, and duration of pediatrics practice.Patients and methods: The study was carried out to cover 300 pediatricians working at different places: University hospitals, Ministry of health hospitals, teaching hospitals and MCH centers. Participants were not compensated for their participation. Questionnaires were returned on an anonymous basis.Results: Knowledge of neonatologists is better than that of general pediatricians. Of the total sample, 64.3% have good knowledge. The attitude of neonatologists is better than that of general pediatricians. Of the total sample, 57.0% have a positive attitude. The practice of neonatologists is better than general pediatricians. Of the total sample, 52.3% have good practice in the management of neonatal jaundice.Conclusion: The knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of neonatologists are better than those of general pediatricians in the management of neonatal jaundice. Many factors improve the knowledge, attitude, and practice of pediatricians in the management of neonatal jaundice, such as working in the NICU, having higher scientific degrees like MD or PhD, and working in a university or teaching hospital.