Parental understanding and care-seeking practices for neonatal jaundice: a qualitative study

Background: Neonatal jaundice (NNJ) is a condition characterized by yellow discoloration of the skin and sclera due to elevated serum bilirubin levels in newborns. While it is often physiological and self-limiting, untreated cases may progress to severe hyperbilirubinemia, leading to complications such as kernicterus and long-term neurological impairment. Despite the availability of effective treatment, delays in care-seeking remain prevalent, often influenced by gaps in parental knowledge and socio-cultural beliefs. Therefore, this study aimed to explore parents’ understanding of NNJ and examine the factors shaping their careseeking practices. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted at Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Twenty parents whose infants were diagnosed with NNJ were purposively sampled and interviewed using semistructured guides. Interviews were conducted face-to-face or via telephone, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Three major themes emerged: (1) Parental Perception and Understanding of NNJ, (2) Care-Seeking Practices for NNJ and (3) Influences on Response to NNJ. Parents commonly recognized NNJ by yellowing of the skin and sclera but often underestimated its seriousness, perceiving it as a harmless condition or relying on past experiences. Care-seeking behaviours reflected a dual pathway: while many sought prompts medical care when symptoms worsened, others initially turned to traditional remedies such as herbal baths and sun exposure. Family members, previous experiences, and emotional responses strongly shaped parental decisions, with fears of hospitalization, invasive procedures, and childcare disruptions contributing to delays. Conclusion: Parental responses to NNJ were shaped by limited knowledge, cultural practices, family influence, and emotional concerns. Strengthening antenatal and postnatal education, providing clear and culturally sensitive health communication are essential to promoting timely care-seeking and reducing the risk of NNJ-related complications.