PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF NEONATAL JAUNDICE AMONG NEONATES 0-28 DAYS OLD, IN KIAMBU LEVEL 5 HOSPITALS, KIAMBU COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract: Neonatal jaundice (NNJ) is the yellowish discoloration of the skin, mucous membrane, and sclera due excessive bilirubin deposition. Jaundice remains the leading cause of hospital readmission among the neonates in their first 2 weeks of life. Its mortality stands at 7% globally, despite various therapeutic and preventive measures put in place. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence and risk factors of neonatal jaundice in Kiambu county hospital. An analytical cross-sectional study design has been used in this study. Simple random sampling technique was used to obtain the study participants and 270 participants were recruited into the study. Data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social sciences (SPSS) version 28 through descriptive and inferential statistical tests. Out of 270 neonates in this study, 43.33% representing 117 neonates were diagnosed with neonatal Jaundice. Neonatal factors including; birth weight p=0.015, gestational age p<0.001, difficulty in breastfeeding p=0.001, duration of sunlight exposure p<0.001, and neonatal sepsis