Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Neonatal Jaundice among Community Health Workers in Southern Nigeria

Aim: The study aimed to assess the knowledge of community Health Workers (CHWs) on neonatal jaundice (NNJ), exploring their perceptions, knowledge and practices.
Study Design: It was a cross sectional study of randomly selected CHWs who were attending a child health workshop in Southern Nigeria.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out during a workshop in Yenegoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Methods: Simple structured questionnaires were distributed to all health workers who gave consent to participate in the study. These were retrieved by the authors as soon as they were filled. Information obtained included biodata, length of practice, knowledge of causes, complications and management of NNJ.
Results: There were 200 participants, 91 males and 109 females giving a male to female ratio of 1: 1.2. The mean duration of service was 6.01±4.97 years. 191 (95%) had fair to adequate knowledge of description of NNJ. However only about 25% of respondents had good knowledge of its causes. Antibiotics and glucose water were perceived by 60.4% and 37.5% of CHWs as useful drugs in the management of NNJ, while 82% would recommend sunlight as effective treatment. Work experience was significantly associated with knowledge of the use of EBT and phototherapy in the treatment of NNJ with those less than 5 years having better knowledge than the older ones.
Conclusion: CHWs may recognize NNJ but knowledge on causes and treatment is inadequate and may cause potential delays in referral for effective treatment. There is need for regular training and re-training of health workers to ensure effective management and reduce the complications of NNJ.