THE USE OF UNCONVENTIONAL METHODS IN THE TREATMENT OF NEONATAL JAUNDICE AMONG MOTHERS WHO ARE TRADERS IN NKWO NNEWI, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA.

ABSTRACT
Neonatal jaundice (NNJ) is a public health issue in Nigeria. Inappropriate practices used by
mothers to treat this condition tend to worsen the disease outcomes and are of great concern in the
contemporary times. This study assessed the use of unconventional methods in the treatment of
neonatal jaundice among mothers who are traders in Nkwo Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. A
descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 240 mothers who are traders at Nkwo
Nnewi, in Anambra State, using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data was collected using a pre
tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. The use
of unconventional methods in the treatment of NNJ by the respondents included unfiltered sunlight
(85.4%), other methods like glucose water, and fluorescence (46.7%), antibiotics (13.8%), herbal
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concoction (12.1%), paw-paw extract(9.6%), over the counter medications (4.6%), and ‘ama
afo’(2.9%). Several unconventional methods were used by the respondents in the treatment of
neonatal jaundice, with unfiltered sunlight being the most used method. These practices highlight
the need for targeted education and awareness campaigns to inform mothers about the risks and
proper management of neonatal jaundice.
Keywords: Anambra State, Mothers, Neonatal jaundice, Traders, Unconventional methods.

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