Maternal Nutritional Status and Treatment Outcomes among Neonates Admitted with Jaundice at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Neonatal jaundice is a condition in newborns, characterized by yellow discoloration of the skin and sclera due to elevated serum bilirubin levels. Maternal nutritional status is an important component of maternal health and provides valuable information on the nutritional characteristics of mothers of neonates admitted with jaundice. This study described the maternal nutritional status and treatment outcomes among neonates admitted with neonatal jaundice at Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina. The study was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted among 172 neonates with jaundice and their mothers. Maternal nutritional status was assessed using socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric indices, and dietary patterns obtained through a food frequency questionnaire. Neonatal clinical characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcomes were extracted from the hospital’s medical records. Most mothers were aged 20–34 years (73.8%) predominantly Hausa, Muslim, with the majority residing in urban areas. Majority of the mothers had normal body mass index (57.0%) and mid-upper arm circumference (84.8%). However, 65.0% of mothers had poor dietary diversity, with diets predominantly cereal-based and limited intake of animal-source foods. Most neonates were male (57.6%), delivered at term (84.9%), and presented within the first five days of life (61.0%). Treatment outcomes were generally favourable, with most neonates discharged without complications however, a mortality rate of (4.1%) was recorded. Despite generally acceptable maternal nutritional status, inadequate dietary diversity was common, highlighting the need for improved dietary assessment and nutritional support among mothers.