Epidemiological Profile of Neonatal Jaundice among Hospitalized Newborns in Public Hospitals of Karbala Governorate

Authors

  • Maytham Alnasrawii Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University/ Karbala Institute Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8807-9785
  • Dhurgham Community Health Department, College of Health and Medical Technologies, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, Kufa, Iraq Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46649/kaz6bd27

Keywords:

Epidemiological profile, Neonatal jaundice, Newborns

Abstract

Background: Neonatal jaundice is a prevalent condition in newborns, resulting from elevated bilirubin levels due to underdeveloped liver function and accelerated erythrocyte degradation. It manifests as jaundice of the skin and sclera. Although generally benign, extreme instances may result in kernicterus. Timely diagnosis and intervention, such as phototherapy or exchange transfusion, are essential.

Objectives: Determine the epidemiological profile of neonatal jaundice among newborns admitted to public hospitals in Karbala Governorate.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in public hospitals of Karbala from October 2024 to January 2025, involving 386 hospitalized neonates diagnosed with jaundice. Data were gathered via interviews, questionnaires, and blood analyses. Ethical authorization and maternal consent were secured. Analysis was conducted utilizing SPSS v29, with significance established at p < 0.05.

Results: The prevalence of neonatal jaundice was 53.5% among babies admitted to public hospitals in Karbala, predominantly affecting 64% of males and those of normal or low birth weight. It was markedly correlated with the administration of various substances during the initial two days of life and birth problems, including hypoxia. TSB levels showed no association, except for G6PD (P = 0.005).

Conclusion: 53.5% of hospitalized newborns have neonatal jaundice, predominantly affecting males and those with normal or low birth weight. Substantial correlations were identified between early drug exposure and delivery problems, whereas TSB levels were solely linked to G6PD insufficiency (p=0.005). Timely identification and intervention are essential.

Author Biography

  • Maytham Alnasrawii, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University/ Karbala Institute
    • Specialization in community health technologies (Health sciences - Epidemiology - Infectious disease sciences - Environmental health sciences).
    • Academy graduate & mentor from Publons academy.
    • Number of research published in international and local journals: 25 researches.
    • Scientific reviewer to more than 50 research papers in Indexed, international and local peer-reviewed scientific journals.
    • Head of Community Health Techniques department for the period from 2012 - 2016.
    • Member of the Central Medical Advisory Committee to specialize in community health technologies for the period 2012 - 2015.
    • Member of the advisory office at Karbala Technical Institute for the period from 2014 and 2020 on going.
    • Head of the Quality Assurance of Community Health Techniques department in the Karbala Technical Institute.

Published

2026-01-21

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 4 (2025): Al-Furat Journal for Health and Medical Sciences

Section

Public Health Sciences

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How to Cite

Epidemiological Profile of Neonatal Jaundice among Hospitalized Newborns in Public Hospitals of Karbala Governorate. (2026). Al-Furat Journal for Health and Medical Sciences , 1(4), 228-240. https://doi.org/10.46649/kaz6bd27