ABSTRACT

The prevalence of neonatal jaundice among newborn babies in Eku Baptist Community Hospital in Delta State was studied between January 2007 and May 2013. A total of 2,509 neonatal case folders were reviewed to determine the prevalence, pattern of occurrence, and associated risk factors of neonatal jaundice among the newborn babies aged between 1 and 28 days. Neonatal jaundice accounted for a total prevalence of 52. 6 in 1000 of the total number of cases reviewed.  There was significant prevalence (p≤0.05) of neonatal jaundice in males (67.4) than in females (43.6). The risk factors of neonatal jaundice identified were sepsis (66.7%), prematurity (15.2%), lack of breast feeding (9.0%), ABO incompatibility (5.2%), and anaemia (3.8%). Two deaths were recorded from neonatal jaundice due to sepsis. Although the prevalence of neonatal jaundice was low, there is need to educate women on regular antenatal checks and delivery in appropriate health care facility in order to curb the incidence of neonatal jaundice.  

Key words: Prevalence, neonatal jaundice, newborn babies, Eku Baptist Community Hospital.