Neonatal Jaundice in Focus: A Hospital-based Evaluation of Incidence and Risk Factors in Full-term Newborn in Takoradi, Ghana
Ransford Oduro Kumi *
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences, Takoradi Technical University, Main Campus, Takoradi, Ghana.
Belinda Oti
Antenatal Care (ANC) Unit, Essikado Government Hospital, Ghana Health Service, Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana.
Andrews Kumi
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences, Takoradi Technical University, Main Campus, Takoradi, Ghana.
Erica Morvey Mawulorm
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences, Takoradi Technical University, Main Campus, Takoradi, Ghana.
Gloria Donkor
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences, Takoradi Technical University, Main Campus, Takoradi, Ghana.
Ampomah Abena Asante
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences, Takoradi Technical University, Main Campus, Takoradi, Ghana.
Emmanuel Ayitey
Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Takoradi Technical University, Main Campus, Takoradi, Ghana.
Rita Oforiwaa Aygeman Ntim
Department of Industrial Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences, Takoradi Technical University, Main Campus, Takoradi, Ghana.
Sefakor Adzo Agbenyegah
Department of Industrial Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences, Takoradi Technical University, Main Campus, Takoradi, Ghana.
Isaac Kporha
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences, Takoradi Technical University, Main Campus, Takoradi, Ghana.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Neonatal jaundice is a major contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding its determinants is vital for improving neonatal outcomes. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of this public health challenge in two hospitals in Ghana.
Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 600 newborns was conducted at Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital and Jemima Crentsil Hospital between February 2024 and August 2025. Data on neonatal, maternal, and socioeconomic factors were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression. Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) assessed multicollinearity, while model calibration and discrimination were evaluated using the Hosmer–Lemes how test and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.
Results: The prevalence of neonatal jaundice was 34.2%. Bivariate analysis revealed significant associations with neonatal sepsis (χ²=22.51, p<.001), feeding method (χ²=8.25, p=0.016), maternal education (χ²=23.92, p<.001), household income (χ²=9.46, p=0.009), and birth weight (χ²=10.39, p=0.016). Logistic regression identified neonatal sepsis (OR=3.96, 95% CI: 2.21–7.10, p<.001) and mixed feeding (OR=2.06, 95% CI: 1.33–3.19, p=0.001) as strong predictors, while secondary (OR=0.40, p<.001) and tertiary maternal education (OR=0.38, p<.001), and vaginal delivery (OR=0.61, p=0.016) were protective. The model showed good calibration (Hosmer–Lemeshow p=0.375) and moderate discrimination (AUC=0.705).
Conclusion: Neonatal jaundice remains prevalent in Ghana supporting previous studies. Sepsis and mixed feeding are key risk factors, whereas maternal education and vaginal delivery reduce risk. Interventions should focus on infection control, exclusive breastfeeding, maternal health literacy, and universal neonatal screening.
Keywords: Neonatal jaundice, sepsis, feeding practices, maternal education, Takoradi