Publications

In Uganda, the neonatal mortality rate remains high, standing at 27 deaths per 1000 livebirths. However, there's a lack of comprehensive data concerning the prevalence andfactors associated with neonatal mortality in Jinja district, Uganda. This study aimed to fillthis gap by assessing the prevalence and identifying associated risk factors for neonatalmortality in the area. Using a pretested survey questionnaire, data from the electronicdatabase of Jinja district on maternal and newborn interventions were collected, focusingon 245 women who had given birth within the past year, irrespective of birth outcomes.The collected data underwent analysis using SPSS version 25, employing chi-squaredanalysis at a significance level of p=0.05 to discern factors linked with neonatal mortality.The study revealed a neonatal mortality rate of 12.2%. Factors contributing to increasedneonatal mortality included mothers with an education level below secondary, residing inrural areas, male infants, neonates aged 2-7 days, preterm birth, and low birth weight.Notably, the neonatal mortality rate observed in this study was lower than the nationalaverage. The findings suggest that employing community-based initiatives to educate andraise awareness within households about appropriate maternal and newborn care practicescould significantly contribute to reducing neonatal mortality rates.Keywords: Neonatal mortality, Newborn, Preterm birth, Mothers