Objective: To determine knowledge, attitude, and behaviour of mothers about neonatal jaundice.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 400 cases who delivered at Ali-Ebne Abitaleb Hospital in Zahedan-Iran during April and May 2006 were interviewed to complete 21-point questionnaires. The first data was analyzed descriptively then analytically by chi2, Pearson correlation, and independent t-test using SPSS 11 software.
Results: The mean age of mothers was 26.8+/-6.5 years. The mean of knowledge score was 7.25+/-2.1 out of 13.5. Although knowledge of mothers about diagnostic methods was acceptable, it was not sufficient about causes, complications, harmful symptoms and prevention of the disease. The mean of attitude score was 18.5+/-3.7 out of 25. The mean of behaviour score was 6.8+/-2.3 out of 10.5. Knowledge had a significant association with history of neonatal jaundice (P=0.033), mother's age (P<0.001), and child's birth rank (P=0.001). There was also a significant association between mother's attitude and their educational level (P<0.001). Results showed a direct correlation between knowledge, attitude and behaviour (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Increasing mothers' knowledge about jaundice of neonates can be the first step to enhance healthy behaviours; through education programmes during pregnancy.