WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Nedaa Amer Hazim, Dr. Zaid Muayad Yassen Dr. Mazin Mahmoud Fawzi

ABSTRACT

Neonatal jaundice (NNJ) is a highly prevalent condition worldwide and remains a major contributor to neonatal morbidity and hospital readmissions when not recognized and managed promptly. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Mosul City to assess maternal knowledge, beliefs, and practices regarding NNJ. A total of 350 mothers attending immunization units at four primary healthcare centers were enrolled. The findings showed that most mothers correctly recognized the common visual signs of NNJ, including yellow discoloration of the skin (97.7%) and eyes (89.1%). However, substantial knowledge deficiencies were identified regarding its causes, complications, and appropriate management. Only 36.0% of participants correctly identified blood group incompatibility as a cause of NNJ, while 81.1% were unaware that untreated jaundice could lead to irreversible brain damage. Traditional beliefs and practices remained common, with 61.7% of mothers relying on sunlight exposure and 28.0% using home remedies instead of evidence-based medical care. These findings demonstrate that although awareness of the clinical appearance of NNJ is high, maternal understanding of its underlying causes, potential complications, and appropriate treatment remains inadequate. Strengthening structured educational interventions during antenatal and postnatal care is essential to improve maternal awareness, promote early healthcare-seeking behavior, reduce harmful traditional practices, and prevent avoidable neurological complications associated with neonatal jaundice.

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