Factors associated with measles vaccination among children aged 12 – 24 months in Busia district.

Abstract

Introduction: Measles vaccination is an effective public health intervention to reduce morbidity and mortality among children below 5years due to measles. In Busia measles vaccination has remained low at 70% despite the efforts being made by the district to improve immunization services. Objective: The major objective of the study was to identify factors associated with measles vaccination among children aged 12 to 24months in Busia district. Methodology: Between April and May/2018 a mixed method study was conducted in Busia district. A total of 700 mothers/caretakers of children 12-24months and 6 key informants were selected to participate in the study. Data was entered in Epi-Data version 3.1 and later exported into STATA version 14.1 and analysis done using modified Poisson regression. Two sided p-values were considered statistically significant at <0.05. For qualitative data, recorded voices were transcribed verbatim for all the KIIs and deductive thematic analysis was done. Results: Measles vaccination coverage was 71.0% (497/700) and some of the reasons for non-vaccination included, forgetting appointment dates 52% (105) and lack of awareness 15.4% (31). The associated factors with measles vaccination included listening to health education messages on radio (Adj.PR =1.22, 95% CI; 1.10-1.34), husbands providing transport to mothers to take the children for vaccination (Adj.PR =1.16, 95% CI; 1.05-1.27), mothers attending ANC services (Adj.PR =1.17, 95% CI; 1.07-1.27) and health education during vaccination sessions (Adj.PR=1.17, 95% CI; 1.08-1.26). Conclusion: Efforts to increase current measles vaccination should take into account interventions like health education of mothers and caretakers on the importance of vaccination during vaccination sessions antenatal care visits. The men should be encouraged to participate in the vaccination programs to improve completion of measles vaccination.