Neonatal Jaundice in Focus: A Hospital-based Evaluation of Incidence and Risk Factors in Full-term Newborn in Takoradi, Ghana

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.