The study was aimed at determining the factors contributing to re-admission of preterm babies on paediatric ward at Kawempe national referral hospital, Kampala city council. The objectives of the study to determine the maternal and health system related factors contributing to re-admission of preterm babies. The study used a descriptive cross sectional design that employed quantitative methods of data collection. 35 respondents participated in the study where 71% were mothers of the preterm babies and 29% were health workers, a response rate of 100%. Data was collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire and was analyzed manually using calculator and presented in figures and frequency tables. Results showed that readmission of preterm babies were maternal factors like, 45.7% of the preterm babies were born to primigravidae mothers, 68.6% of these babies were born at 8 months and over 90% of the mothers suffered maternal illness like malaria, HT, DM before or during pregnancy, related to the health system related factors were early discharge as 28.6% spent less 1 week in hospital and 57.1% were re-admitted less than 1 week from the previous admission. The study concluded that readmission of preterm babies at Kawempe national referral hospital was due to both maternal and health system related factors. The study also noted that improving transitions of health care, improved education of families, proper hand hygiene significantly reduced on the rate of hospital re-admission of preterm babies.

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