Knowledge, attitude and practices of registered nurses regarding neonatal jaundice at the neonatal intensive care unit in a tertiary hospital in Khomas region, Namibia

Abstract

Neonatal jaundice is a significant cause of neonatal morbidity worldwide and accounts for 75% of hospital readmissions in the first week of life. New‑born babies can develop severe neonatal jaundice that may cause irreversible brain damage or even death. To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of registered nurses on neonatal jaundice among neonates at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Windhoek Central hospital. A quantitative, descriptive, cross sectional research design was used. The population was all 34 registered nurses working at Windhoek Central Hospital neonatal intensive care unit. Census sampling was used to include all 34 registered nurses working in the neonatal intensive care unit of the selected hospital due to the limited small number of the population. Data were collected using a self‑developed questionnaires that collected socio‑demographic information and knowledge, attitudes and practices questions. Data was analysed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics was used to generate frequencies and percentages. The study found that majority of the participants have adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices regarding neonatal jaundice. The study found that most participants 21 (60%) were aged between 20 to 29 years. Participants have adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices on neonatal jaundice. The researchers recommends that future studies using different research approaches should be conducted in other regions in Namibia.