Recommendations and Improvement Efforts

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 70 views

The Level of Mother's Knowledge of Jaundice in Newborns in the Village of Terang Bulan, Labuhanbatu Utara Regency: General Description and Improvement Efforts

Jaundice neonatorum, or better known as yellow in newborns, is a common condition that occurs due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. This condition is more common in premature babies than adversely infants, with an incidence of 60% in infants enough months and 80% in premature infants. The intestinal and liver function that is not perfect in newborns is the main factor causing jaundice. Bilirubin, the result of breaking red blood cells, cannot be processed and the body is optimally removed. In Indonesia, the incidence of jaundice in infants is quite a month varies between 13.7% to 85%, based on data from several teaching hospitals such as Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, RS Dr. Sardjito, and Dr. Hospital Kariadi.

The Role of Mother in Recognizing Jaundice in Infants

The role of the mother in recognizing jaundice in infants is very important. With adequate knowledge, the mother can recognize the yellow signs of the baby and immediately get the right medical treatment. This study aims to reveal the level of mother's knowledge of jaundice in newborns in the village of Terang Bulan, Labuhanbatu Utara Regency. The mother's knowledge about jaundice is crucial in preventing complications and ensuring the health of the baby.

Research Methods

This research was conducted with an observational descriptive approach using the cross-sectional method. Primary data is collected through a questionnaire given to 64 respondents, namely mothers with babies aged 0-12 months in the village of Terang Bulan. Sampling was carried out with Consecutive Sampling technique, which included all mothers who met the research criteria sequentially.

Research Result

Based on the results of the study, the level of mother's knowledge of jaundice in newborns in the village of Bulan Bulan shows sufficient categories in 30 respondents (46.9%), categories both in 25 respondents (39.1%), and the categories are less in 9 respondents (14.1%). The results show that the majority of mothers have sufficient knowledge about jaundice, but there is still a proportion of mothers with lack of knowledge.

Conclusion

The majority of mothers in the village of Terang Bulan have sufficient knowledge about jaundice in newborns. However, there is still a proportion of mothers with lack of knowledge. This shows the need for efforts to increase mother's knowledge about jaundice and proper treatment.

Recommendations and Improvement Efforts

Based on the results of the study, here are some recommendations and efforts that can be made to increase mother's knowledge about jaundice in newborns:

*** **Routine Socialization and Education: ** Through Posyandu, Pregnant Women Meeting, or other health activities, it is necessary to do regular socialization and education about jaundice in infants, including the causes, signs and symptoms, and proper treatment. This can be done through interactive and engaging sessions that cater to the needs of mothers.

*** **Provision of Educational Material: ** Providing leaflets, pamphlets, or educational videos about jaundice that are easily understood and accessed by mothers. The material should be simple, clear, and concise, and should be available in multiple languages.

*** **Training and Assistance: ** Conducting training and assistance to Posyandu cadres, village midwives, and other health workers regarding the identification and initial handling of jaundice in infants. This can be done through workshops, training sessions, and on-the-job training.

*** **Utilization of Communication Media: ** Utilizing communication media such as social media, websites, or mobile applications to spread information about jaundice and educate mothers. This can be done through engaging and interactive content that is easily accessible and understood by mothers.

With an effort to increase structured and sustainable knowledge, it is expected to increase the awareness and knowledge of the mother about jaundice in newborns, so as to provide appropriate treatment and prevent complications that may arise. The ultimate goal is to ensure the health and well-being of the baby, and to empower mothers with the knowledge and skills they need to care for their babies.

The Importance of Mother's Knowledge in Preventing Complications

Jaundice can lead to serious complications if left untreated, including kernicterus, a condition that can cause brain damage and even death. The mother's knowledge about jaundice is crucial in preventing these complications and ensuring the health of the baby. By increasing the mother's knowledge about jaundice, we can reduce the incidence of complications and ensure that babies receive the best possible care.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study reveals that the majority of mothers in the village of Terang Bulan have sufficient knowledge about jaundice in newborns. However, there is still a proportion of mothers with lack of knowledge. This shows the need for efforts to increase mother's knowledge about jaundice and proper treatment. By implementing the recommendations and improvement efforts outlined in this study, we can increase the awareness and knowledge of mothers about jaundice in newborns, and ensure that babies receive the best possible care.

Recommendations for Future Research

Future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of the recommendations and improvement efforts outlined in this study. This can be done through a randomized controlled trial or a quasi-experimental design. Additionally, future research should explore the role of other factors, such as socioeconomic status and access to healthcare, in influencing the mother's knowledge about jaundice.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. The sample size was relatively small, and the study was conducted in a single village. Additionally, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to bias. Future research should aim to address these limitations and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the mother's knowledge about jaundice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of mother's knowledge about jaundice in newborns. By increasing the mother's knowledge about jaundice, we can reduce the incidence of complications and ensure that babies receive the best possible care. The recommendations and improvement efforts outlined in this study provide a framework for increasing the mother's knowledge about jaundice, and can be implemented in various settings, including healthcare facilities and community-based programs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Jaundice in Newborns

Jaundice in newborns is a common condition that can be caused by various factors. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about jaundice in newborns, along with their answers:

Q: What is jaundice in newborns?

A: Jaundice in newborns, also known as neonatal jaundice, is a condition characterized by the yellowing of the skin and eyes due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells.

Q: What causes jaundice in newborns?

A: Jaundice in newborns can be caused by various factors, including:

Premature birth
Low birth weight
Infection
Blood group incompatibility
Liver or bile duct problems
Breastfeeding difficulties

Q: How common is jaundice in newborns?

A: Jaundice in newborns is a common condition, affecting up to 60% of full-term babies and up to 80% of premature babies.

Q: What are the symptoms of jaundice in newborns?

A: The symptoms of jaundice in newborns may include:

Yellowing of the skin and eyes
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Fever

Q: How is jaundice in newborns diagnosed?

A: Jaundice in newborns is typically diagnosed through a physical examination and laboratory tests, including:

Blood tests to measure bilirubin levels
Liver function tests
Imaging studies, such as ultrasound or CT scans

Q: How is jaundice in newborns treated?

A: Jaundice in newborns is typically treated with:

Phototherapy, which involves exposure to a special light that helps break down bilirubin
Exchange transfusion, which involves replacing the baby's blood with donor blood
Medications to reduce bilirubin levels
Breastfeeding support and education

Q: Can jaundice in newborns be prevented?

A: While jaundice in newborns cannot be completely prevented, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk, including:

Ensuring that the baby is fed regularly and adequately
Monitoring the baby's bilirubin levels
Providing phototherapy or other treatments as needed
Educating parents and caregivers about the signs and symptoms of jaundice

Q: What are the complications of jaundice in newborns?

A: If left untreated, jaundice in newborns can lead to serious complications, including:

Kernicterus, a condition that can cause brain damage and even death
Hearing loss
Vision problems
Developmental delays

Q: How can I support a friend or family member whose baby has jaundice?

A: You can support a friend or family member whose baby has jaundice by:

Offering to help with childcare or household tasks
Providing emotional support and reassurance
Encouraging the mother to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment
Educating yourself about jaundice in newborns to better understand the condition and its treatment.

Q: What should I do if I suspect that my baby has jaundice?

A: If you suspect that your baby has jaundice, you should:

Contact your healthcare provider immediately
Monitor your baby's symptoms and report any changes to your healthcare provider
Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for treatment and follow-up care.

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment of jaundice in newborns, you can better support your friend or family member whose baby has this condition.