Assessment of Knowledge and Practices of Health Care Providers about Neonatal Jaundice in Primary Health Care Units in Fayoum Governorate

Abstract

Background: Neonatal jaundice is still a leading cause of preventable brain damage, physical and mental handicap, and early death among infants in many communities. Greater awareness is needed among all health workers. Aim: Assessment of knowledge and practices of primary health care workers about description, causes, effective treatment and complication of neonatal jaundice. Subject and methods: the study was conducted during the period from November, 2017 till October, 2018 on 315 nurses and 152 doctors all were worked in primary health care centers and units at the six districts of Fayoum Governorate it was based on a self-administered, structured, piloted two questionnaires, Arabic one for nurses and an English one for physicians. Both the questionnaires assessed the knowledge and practice of the nurses and physicians regarding neonatal jaundice. Results: the knowledge score of study physicians regarding neonatal jaundice was poor (20.4 ± 3.1 of total score 42), While the total practices of them were generally good (14.8 ± 2.1 of total score 24). The total knowledge score of nurses regarding neonatal jaundice was poor (13.8 ± 4.5 of total score 32), while the total practice of theme were generally good (7.6 ± 1.8 of total score 12). Conclusion: knowledge of primary health care workers about neonatal jaundice was inadequate and may cause potential delays in referral for effective treatment. There is need for regular training and re-training of primary health care workers to ensure effective management and reduce the complications of neonatal jaundice.