Epidemiology of neonatal jaundice at Punakha District Hospital, Punakha, Bhutan

Background: Although neonatal jaundice is a global health issue, the epidemiology of this disorder remains poorly understood in Bhutan. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and risk factors of neonatal jaundice among neonates in Punakha District Hospital, Punakha, Bhutan. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 180 neonate-mother pairs registered/admitted to Punakha District Hospital between 2019 and 2020 by employing a population-based sampling technique. The data were collected using a questionnaire developed by the researchers. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with neonatal jaundice. Results: The prevalence of neonatal jaundice was 33% and 47% in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Medical problems during pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.33 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.10 to 10.31]), neonatal complications (AOR 6.59 [95% CI 1.27 to 34.16]), maternal B blood group (AOR 5.22 [95% CI 1.16 to 23.50]) and maternal O blood group (AOR 2.34 [95% CI 1.03 to 5.33]) were significantly associated with neonatal jaundice. However, neonates born via caesarean section were 92% less likely to get jaundice compared with their vaginally born counterparts (AOR 0.078 [95% CI 0.01 to 0.67]). Conclusions: A high prevalence of neonatal jaundice was found in this study. Effective management of maternal medical problems during pregnancy, preventing neonatal complications, vigilant monitoring of neonates born to mothers with B and O blood groups and vaginal delivery are critical to prevent severe hyperbilirubinemia and its associated morbidity and mortality.