International Journal of Research and Reports in Gynaecology

The aim of the study was to assess health-seeking behavior among mothers of neonates with jaundice in Tamale. A qualitative approach using an explorative descriptive research design which was adopted for the study. A purposive sampling technique was utilized in selecting thirty mothers of neonates with jaundice admitted at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Tamale Teaching Hospital.  Data was collected by the use of a semi- structured interview guide through one-on-one in-depth interview with sampled mothers and audio taped till saturation was reached. Recorded interviews and field notes during the interview were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic content analysis (TCA). The results show that mothers generally had good knowledge of neonatal jaundice, with the condition often described from a biomedical perspective. The results further indicate two dominant pathways for seeking care by mothers; hospital care and traditional treatment by herbalists. The health-seeking behaviour of mothers was influenced by perceived efficacy of treatment, accessibility, financial status, and support in decision-making from family and friends. Although mothers often detected neonatal jaundice at an early stage, they adopted home remedies such as sun bathing for vitamin D, glucose supplements, fruits, and traditional healing prior to seeking hospital care. There is the need for public education of mothers regarding the need to report neonatal jaundice at an early stage to prevent complications and neonatal mortality.