Maternal factors influencing the uptake of measles/rubella booster vaccine in the Sekyere South District

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Date
November, 2019
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Abstract
Measles is the greatest vaccine-preventable killer of children in the world today and the eighth leading cause of death among persons of all ages worldwide. One of the major issues surrounding the Expanded Programme on Immunization is the failure to reach a satsifactory level of immunization coverage in our districts. To acertain the maternal factors influencing uptake of measles booster vaccine among under five children in Sekyere South district, a cross- sectional study was carried out. A questionnaire was used to obtain data on the knowledge of mothers and caretakers regarding childhood immunisation, and measles booster vaccine, the attitudes of mothers and caretakers regarding child immunisation and measles/rubella booster vaccine and factors related to Immunization Service Delivery Quality in four selected health facilities. A total of 319 caretakers/mothers were randomly selected and enrolled into the study. The level of knowledge regarding child immunization and measles booster vaccine was good (56.11%). Caretakers had adequate knowledge regarding immunization schedules (76.80%), benefits of immunization (80.05%) and side effects of vaccine. However, majority (75.63%) had inadequate knowledge regarding the number of vaccines required to complete an immunization. The main sources of information on immunization among participants were the health workers, 294/319 or (93.33%). Generally, majority of the respondents, 227 (71.16%) have negative attitude towards child‟s immunization and measles booster vaccination. Maternal level of education (p=0.009) were significantly associated with immunization status of the child. The mother‟s place of deliverance was also a contributing factor to child‟s immunization. Majority of the mothers (82.45%) that delivered at the health facility had their child fully vaccinated. Also, distance from the health centers also affects immunization. Caretakers living in close proximity to health centers (less than 30 minutes‟ walk) were more likely to fully vaccinate their children. Majority, 262 (90.34%) of the caregivers agree that they were informed or advised to vaccinate their child during their ANC and PNC visits to the health facility. Only 26 (8.15%) have returned home in some occasion without measles immunization. The main reasons given included: vaccines not available (59.09%) and vaccinators were absent (13.64%). Although immunization uptake (96.86%) was high in the district, there is still the need for an implementation of new strategies such as establishment of more outreach services, intensive client education about immunization during ANC visits so as to improve immunization uptake.
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A thesis submitted to the department of health promotion, education and disability studies, college of health sciences, school of public health, in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of degree of Masters of Public Health in Health Education and Promotion.
Keywords
Measles/rubella booster, Vaccine, Sekyere South District
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