Association of Maternal Knowledge and Attitudes with Preventive Practices for Neonatal Jaundice at Santa Elisabeth Hospital, Medan

Neonatal jaundice is common during the newborn transition period and requires appropriate recognition and care. This study examined the association between mothers’ knowledge and attitudes and their preventive practices related to neonatal jaundice at Santa Elisabeth Hospital in Medan. A descriptive study was conducted among 48 mothers of infants with neonatal jaundice in the Maternal and Neonatal Unit, selected through total sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire covering participant characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices. Twenty-six mothers (54.2%) were classified as having insufficient knowledge, and 36 (75.0%) were reported as having negative attitudes and behaviors related to the prevention and management of neonatal jaundice. The study reported a significant association between maternal knowledge and attitudes and preventive practices. These findings highlight the importance of providing mothers with clear information and practical guidance on neonatal jaundice. The abstract does not report the statistical test or the association’s p-value, so the strength and statistical basis of this finding cannot be assessed.