Abstract:

Background: Neonatal Jaundice is the yellowish discoloration of the sclera, skin, or mucous membrane and it is the sign for hyperbillirubinemia occurring during neonatal period. Neonatal jaundice can be categorized into two; physiological jaundice which occur 24 hours after birth and pathological jaundice which occur within the first 24 hours of birth. Neonatal jaundice is a frequently encountered pediatric problem in Africa that is associated with sickness, neurological sequel and death.

During this study the broad objective will be to determine the prevalence and risk factors of jaundice among neonate admitted at Bugando Medical Centre.

Methodology: This study was hospital based cross sectional study. Minimum participants of 130 neonates were included in the study. Data was collected through questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS version 20.

Results: The prevalence of jaundice among 130 neonates participated in the study was 21(16.2%) with median age of 4 days. The statistically significant risk factor was history of jaundice to the previous sibling (OR 4.0[1.0-15.6] P=0.045). Majority of participant neonates presented with jaundice after 24 hours of life (76%) implying that they had physiological jaundice.

Conclusion: According to the findings of this study prevalence of jaundice in neonates is higher and predominantly in male neonates and the statistical significant risk factor was found to be history of jaundice to the previous sibling.