# Community health worker knowledge and perceptions of neonatal jaundice in Kumasi, Ghana

## TL;DR

Community health workers in Ghana have mixed knowledge about neonatal jaundice, often favoring home treatments and facing challenges due to local beliefs.

## Contribution

The study reveals gaps in CHW knowledge and community perceptions of neonatal jaundice in Kumasi, Ghana.

## Key findings

- 74% of CHWs knew NNJ could cause death, but only 57% knew how to screen for it.
- 35% of CHWs supported home treatments like sunlight therapy or watchful waiting.
- Caregivers often attribute jaundice to supernatural causes, delaying medical care.

## Abstract

This study sought to understand community health workers’ (CHW) knowledge and perceptions of community beliefs surrounding neonatal jaundice (NNJ), a treatable but potentially fatal condition prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa.

In this cross-sectional qualitative study, CHWs in Kumasi, Ghana, completed in-depth interviews with trained research assistants using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using grounded theory methodology.

Knowledge of NNJ varied widely among the 23 respondents: 74% knew NNJ could cause death, 57% knew how to screen for NNJ. 35% of CHWs favored home treatment (sunlight therapy or watchful waiting). Three main themes emerged: CHWs perceived that caregivers prefer home treatment, equating hospital care with death; sunlight and herbs are the most common home treatments; and caregivers attribute NNJ to supernatural causes, delaying jaundice diagnosis.

Incomplete understanding of NNJ among trained CHWs and local communities will require improved education among both groups to improve outcomes.