Abstract

In Uganda, the neonatal mortality rate remains high, standing at 27 deaths per 1000 live
births. However, there's a lack of comprehensive data concerning the prevalence and
factors associated with neonatal mortality in Jinja district, Uganda. This study aimed to fill
this gap by assessing the prevalence and identifying associated risk factors for neonatal
mortality in the area. Using a pretested survey questionnaire, data from the electronic
database of Jinja district on maternal and newborn interventions were collected, focusing
on 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-squared
analysis 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 increased
neonatal mortality included mothers with an education level below secondary, residing in
rural 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 national
average. The findings suggest that employing community-based initiatives to educate and
raise awareness within households about appropriate maternal and newborn care practices
could significantly contribute to reducing neonatal mortality rates.
Keywords: Neonatal mortality, Newborn, Preterm birth, Mothers