Maternal knowledge and practices regarding neonatal jaundice in Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: A cross-sectional study

This study aims to assess maternal knowledge and practices regarding neonatal jaundice in Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 mothers attending selected healthcare facilities in District Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Data were collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire. 78.3% of mothers had poor knowledge regarding neonatal jaundice, whereas 21.7% had good knowledge. In contrast, 80.0% demonstrated good neonatal jaundice-related practices, while 20.0% had poor practices. Good knowledge was observed in 60.0% of mothers with higher secondary education or above, compared with 18.4% of those with primary or secondary education and 18.1% of illiterate mothers (P=0.009). However, educational level was not significantly associated with practice (P=0.207). Good knowledge was reported by 31.8% of urban mothers compared with 19.4% of rural mothers (P=0.160). In contrast, a statistically significant association was observed between residence and practice (P=0.045), with good practice being more frequent among urban mothers than rural mothers (95.5% vs. 76.5%). Parity was not significantly associated with either knowledge (P=0.708) or practice (P=0.355). Maternal knowledge of neonatal jaundice is critically poor in District Swat, while practices are comparatively better, reflecting a knowledge-practice gap sustained by social influence rather than health literacy. Educational attainment and rural residence are key determinants. Structured, low-literacy-adapted health education on neonatal jaundice, integrated into antenatal and postnatal care, is urgently needed across all healthcare levels in this region.