Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Neonatal Jaundice among Healthcare Workers in Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria

Abstract

Neonatal jaundice is still a serious health problem in Nigeria today which is often times associated with debilitating consequences. The knowledge, attitude and practice of healthcare workers could act as a two- edged sword either by posing risks to patients or providing help when needed. Aim: The study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of healthcare workers in Bingham University Teaching Hospital on Neonatal Jaundice. Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study which was carried out among Healthcare workers in Bingham University Teaching Hospital from April to June 2019. This was a proportionate purposive sampling of doctors, nurses and nursing aids that consented to the study. The knowledge, attitude and practice of Neonatal Jaundice was assessed using a pretested questionnaire which was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: The results showed 89% of respondents were able to correctly identify jaundice. About 80% of respondents recognized blood group incompatibility as a cause of jaundice, 80% of respondents encouraged patient to seek help within 24 hours after the appearance of jaundice and 88% of respondents recognize phototherapy as a modality of treatment for neonatal Jaundice. This shows an overall good knowledge, attitude and practice towards neonatal jaundice among tertiary healthcare workers in Bingham University Teaching Hospital.