Household-related factors contributing to home accidents among care givers’ of children below 5 years admitted at Pediatric Ward in Mukono General Hospital Mukono District. A cross-sectional study.

Background: The study aimed to identify household-related factors contributing to home accidents among care givers’ of children below 5 years admitted at Pediatric Ward in Mukono General Hospital Mukono District. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study using quantitative methods was conducted at Mukono Hospital among caregivers of children below five years admitted following home accidents. A sample of 44 respondents was selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires over four days. Questionnaires were pretested at Kiira Health Centre IV to assess reliability. Data were coded, entered into Microsoft Excel, and analysed using descriptive statistics. Informed consent, confidentiality, anonymity, and voluntary participation were ensured throughout the study. Results: Among 44 respondents, 26 (59.1%) were aged 30–39 years, 12 (27.3%) were 20–29, four (9.1%) were 40 years and above, and two (4.5%) were below 20. Regarding employment, 28 (63.6%) were employed and 16 (36.4%) were unemployed. For household-related factors, 21 (47.7%) sometimes used alcohol or drugs while caring for children, whereas 15 (34.1%) never did. Most respondents, 27 (61.4%), sometimes left children without anyone at home; five (11.4%) did so often, while 12 (27.2%) never did. Forty (90.9%) engaged in multiple household tasks, compared with four (9.1%) who did not. Charcoal or kerosene stoves were used by 33 (75.0%), open fires by eight (18.2%), and gas or electric cookers by three (6.8%). Most caregivers, 35 (79.5%), had never received advice or training on preventing home accidents, while nine (20.5%) had received such guidance. Conclusion: Caregiver-related risks included inadequate supervision, multitasking, substance use, unsafe cooking, limited training, and hazardous household conditions. Recommendation: The Ministry of Health should strengthen caregiver education on childhood accident prevention through health facilities and community outreach.