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[Preprint]. 2024 Jul 29:rs.3.rs-4662211.
doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4662211/v1.

Community health worker knowledge and perceptions of neonatal jaundice in Kumasi, Ghana

Ann Wolski  1 , Cheryl A Moyer  1 , Rexford Amoah  2 , Benjamin Otoo  2 , Elizabeth Kaselitz  3 , Ashura Bakari  2
Affiliations

Community health worker knowledge and perceptions of neonatal jaundice in Kumasi, Ghana

Ann Wolski et al. Res Sq. .

Abstract

Background: This study sought to understand community health workers' (CHW) knowledge and perceptions of community beliefs surrounding neonatal jaundice (NNJ), a treatable but potentially fatal condition prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods: In this cross-sectional qualitative study, CHWs in Kumasi, Ghana, completed in-depth interviews with trained research assistants using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using grounded theory methodology.

Results: Knowledge of NNJ varied widely among the 23 respondents: 74% knew NNJ could cause death, 57% knew how to screen for NNJ. 35% of CHWs favored home treatment (sunlight therapy or watchful waiting). Three main themes emerged: CHWs perceived that caregivers prefer home treatment, equating hospital care with death; sunlight and herbs are the most common home treatments; and caregivers attribute NNJ to supernatural causes, delaying jaundice diagnosis.

Interpretation: Incomplete understanding of NNJ among trained CHWs and local communities will require improved education among both groups to improve outcomes.

Keywords: community health workers; jaundice; newborn; sub-Saharan Africa.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no competing interests to declare that are relevant to the content of this article.

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