A Randomised Comparative Study Assessing Parental Anxiety Levels during Bilirubin Measurement in Neonatal Jaundice: A Comparison of Conventional Blood Taking and Transcutaneous Bilirubin Method

Neonatal jaundice screening is important in preventing the progression of kernicterus and its morbidity. The transcutaneous bilirubinometer (TCB) regains popularity as a low-cost, portable neonatal jaundice screening tool whose accuracy is comparable. Its effects on parents are widely accepted as favourable; however, its impact on parental anxiety remains unproven. A randomised study was conducted at the Emergency Department of the Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (ED HCTM). Parents seeking neonatal jaundice screening were assigned randomly to the TCB or conventional blood-taking (TSB) groups. A trait anxiety score was taken before the procedure, while state anxiety was measured after, utilising Spielberger’s state-trait anxiety index (STAI) questionnaire. The scores were recorded and statistically analysed. A total of 97 parents participated in the study. No significant difference in trait anxiety existed between groups (TCB group mean score = 39.24, SD = 7.385; TSB group mean score = 36.44, SD = 10.173; p > 0.05). TCB group exhibited significantly lower state anxiety (mean score = 35.31, SD = 10.05) than TSB group (mean score = 46.65, SD = 12.63; p = 0.000). Clinically significant state anxiety was more prevalent in parents from the TSB group (50%) than the TCB (22.4%; p = 0.005). TCB is superior to TSB for parental anxiety.