MATERNAL RISK FACTORS OF HYPERBILIRUBINEMIA AMONG NEW-BORNS

Introduction: The incidence of hyperbilirubinemia is on the increase and the reasons for it are less explored to guide its prevention. So a study to identify the maternal risk factors of hyperbilirubinemia among new-borns was undertaken. Methods: An analytic retrospective approach with case control design was used and through purposive sampling, 50 new-borns with hyperbilirubinemia and 50 new-borns without hyperbilirubinemia were selected as participants of the study. Results: The mean of the total maternal risk scores of cases (M= 8.9) were higher than the controls (M=6.9) and the difference was statistically significant at P<0.001 level. Item wise analysis has shown specific antenatal, intra natal and neonatal risk factors which were higher among the cases with hyperbilirubinemia. Conclusion: The study findings can be helpful in planning strategies for prevention of hyperbilirubinemia in new-borns.