Iranian Journal of Neonatology

Iranian Journal of Neonatology

Poor Breastfeeding and Pre-mature Birth as Leading Causes of Neonatal Jaundice in a Nigerian Community

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Phoebe N Kanikwu 1
Samuel Adinoyi Seriki 2
1 Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Edo State University, Nigeria
2 Department of Human Physiology, College of Medical Sciences, Edo State University, Nigeria
10.22038/ijn.2026.79834.2541
Abstract
Background: Neonatal jaundice is the yellow discoloration of a newborn baby's skin and eyes, caused by an excess of bilirubin—a yellow pigment from red blood cells—in the baby's blood. It is a leading cause of hospitalization in the first week of life worldwide. If inappropriately managed, it can result in significant bilirubin-induced mortality and disability.
Methods: This study was conducted at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. A descriptive retrospective research design was employed, and a sample of 100 neonates was selected using a stratified random sampling method. Data were collected from the medical records of all neonates admitted for jaundice during the study period. The collected data were analyzed using tables, frequencies, and percentages.
Results: The findings revealed a high incidence of neonatal jaundice among neonates admitted to the NICU, accounting for 100 (40%) of admissions. Of this percentage, female neonates (50.4%) presented with jaundice more frequently than their male counterparts (49.6%). The study identified poor breastfeeding as the leading cause, accounting for 28 (28%) of cases, followed by premature birth 20 (20%), infection 15 (15%), severe anaemia 12 (12%), ABO incompatibility 10 (10%), idiopathic causes 10 (10%), and other causes 5%. No cases of jaundice due to fever were recorded (0%). The types/variants of jaundice identified were: breastfeeding jaundice 42 (42%), physiological jaundice 36 (36%), and other forms 22 (22%).
Conclusion: The incidence of neonatal jaundice is high in the community, affecting male and female neonates almost equally. Jaundice is predominantly of the breastfeeding and physiological types. Among other recommendations, it is advised that government and health workers promote programs to enhance public/parental education on the impact of breastfeeding on neonatal jaundice through campaigns, rallies, and workshops in the community and other similar communities.
Keywords
Breastfeeding
Intensive care
Jaundice
Neonates
Risk factors
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Iranian Journal of Neonatology
Volume 17, Issue 4
Autumn 2026
Pages 18-25