Effectiveness of a Structured Awareness Programme on Phototherapy Knowledge Among Primipara Mothers of Neonates.

<p>BACKGROUND Neonatal jaundice is a common condition affecting newborns worldwide, often due to elevated bilirubin levels. While mild cases are typically harmless, severe jaundice can lead to complications such as kernicterus if not promptly recognized and managed. Mothers play a crucial role in the early detection and management of neonatal jaundice, making their knowledge and awareness essential for effective newborn care. This study aimed to assess mothers' knowledge regarding neonatal jaundice, identifying gaps in awareness and areas for health education interventions. METHODS: An evaluative quantitative research approach with pre experimental one group pretest and posttest design was adopted. Around 60 mothers selected by using purposive sampling technique for the study and collected data through the structured knowledge questionnaire through interview schedule consists of 40 items. The collected data were analyzed and interpreted based on descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: The overall mean knowledge scores in the pretest were 18.4 with standard deviation of 2.84. The overall mean knowledge scores in posttest were 29.9 with standard deviation of 4.4. The obtained&lsquo;t&rsquo; value 15.89 was greater than the table value and found to be highly significant at the level of p&lt;0.001. The findings revealed that, the structured awareness programme was effective in enhancing the knowledge of mothers. CONCLUSION: Strengthening maternal knowledge about neonatal jaundice is vital to prevent severe complications and improve newborn health outcomes. This study underscores the importance of integrating neonatal jaundice education into maternal and child health programs.</p>