PERCEPTIONS, PRACTICES AND TRADITIONAL BELIEFS TOWARD NEONATAL JAUNDICE AND ITS MANAGEMENT AMONG IRAQI MOTHERS IN BAGHDAD AL-KARKH 2018

Background: Neonatal jaundice (NNJ) is one of the most common neonatal conditions worldwide. Although usually benign, severe or inadequately managed hyperbilirubinemia may result in preventable neurological damage, long-term disability, or death. Mothers’ knowledge, beliefs, and practices are important for early recognition and appropriate management. Aim: To assess mothers’ perceptions, practices, and traditional beliefs regarding neonatal jaundice and to determine their associations with selected socio-demographic characteristics. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2018 at postnatal care clinics in ten primary health care centers in Baghdad Al-Karkh. Mothers who had delivered within one month before recruitment were included. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of neonatal jaundice, its causes and complications, management practices, and traditional beliefs. Results: Overall, 61.0% of participating mothers had an acceptable level of perception regarding neonatal jaundice, while 30.8% demonstrated a good level. Significant associations with mothers’ perception were observed for working status (p=0.05) and having previously received information about neonatal jaundice (p=0.013). Conclusion: Despite generally acceptable perceptions, important misconceptions regarding risk factors, treatment, maternal practices, and traditional beliefs persist. Targeted maternal health education programs are recommended to improve awareness, promote early recognition, and encourage appropriate management of neonatal jaundice.