Individual and socio-economic factors contributing to hospitalization of newborns below six weeks at Kisubi Hospital. A cross-sectional study.

Background: The newborn period is the most crucial period of life. This study aimed to assess the individual and socio-economic factors contributing to the hospitalization of newborns below six weeks among mothers at Kisubi Hospital in Wakiso District. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design employing quantitative methods of data collection was used on 40 mothers, who were sampled through a convenience sampling technique. A questionnaire was used to collect data, which was later analysed using Microsoft Excel, and findings were presented in the form of tables and figures. Results: Individual related factors: 45% of the respondents’ babies were born at term, 60% cried immediately, 50% agreed that poor thermal care makes babies ill, 45% initiated breastfeeding after leaving the labour room or theatre, and 60% indicated long breastfeeding intervals; Socio-economically, 52.5% had tertiary level of education, 50% were business women, 75% had partners’ support, 80% bathed the babies with herbs, and 75% stayed in the urban area. 45% of the respondents’ babies were born on the due date, and 60% cried immediately after birth. Findings showed that babies fall sick when not properly covered, and that indicated that babies overcry when they go for long periods without breastfeeding, 60%. Inadequate thermal care, delayed breastfeeding initiation, and traditional practices like herbal bathing create significant operational gaps that may drive preventable newborn hospitalizations. Conclusion: Inadequate thermal care, delayed initiation of breastfeeding, prolonged breastfeeding intervals, and traditional practices such as herbal bathing may contribute to newborn illnesses and preventable hospitalizations. Despite relatively high levels of education and partner support among respondents, gaps in newborn care practices remain. Recommendation: Mothers should be adequately sensitized during antenatal care visits about preliminary care of newborns immediately after birth and their benefits. These should target specific behavioral modifications and mitigate harmful cultural practices.