Factors Associated with Measles Vaccine Uptake among Children Under 5 Years In South Dayi District, Volta Region

Abstract

Background: Globally, more than 140,000 measles deaths were reported in 2018, mostly among children under 5 years. Measles is the fourth leading cause of death in children under 5 years of age in many African countries. Ghana reported 1,274 measles cases in 2020. The Volta region recorded 66.7% of children under 5 years receiving two doses of measles vaccine in 2021 and South Dayi district also recorded 58.1% coverage in the same year which is lower than the 95% minimum targeted coverage. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with measles vaccine uptake in South Dayi District. Methods: A cross-sectional cluster survey (WHO 30 by 7 cluster survey) method was used to estimate measles vaccination coverage and associated factors among children under 5 years. The 30 by 7 cluster survey is a modified two-stage cluster sampling technique used to obtain overall population estimates of immunization coverage. Caregivers with children aged 24 to 36 months were sampled from 30 clusters in the district. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio demographic data and other variables from the respondents. Stata version 7 was used to analyze the data. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine significant factors associated with measles vaccine uptake at 95% confidence level and 0.05 p-value. Results: A total of 298 caregivers participated in the study. It was found that, 98% and 90% had received first dose and second dose of measles vaccine respectively. Caregivers who were aged 20-29 years [AOR=7.33 (95% CI: 1.24 - 43.34) p=0.028], 30-39 years [AORs=43.49 (95% CI: 5.68-332.76)