Factors associated with the occurance of measles in children aged 6 to 59 months in Rubaga Division, Kampala District

Abstract

BACKROUND: Despite measles control efforts in Rubaga division and routine measles coverage above 90%, cases of measles continued to be reported in the division. GENERAL OBJECTIVE: To assess factors associated with the occurrence of measles in children aged 6-59 months and inform the planning and implementation process of appropriate interventions. METHODOLOGY: The study was conducted in Rubaga division, kampala district as a community based cross-sectional survey using both quantitative and qualitative methods of research. Subjects: Caretakers of children aged 6-59 months and health workers. The sample size was 401 caretakers and the sampling unit was the household. RESULTS: The measles vaccination coverage was 78.5%. The proportion of children that had suffered measles was 23.7%. The main risk factors for measles in children were lack of formal education of the caretaker, if other child in the household had been affected by measles and an estimated distance from home to the vaccination centre within one kilometre. Traditional and cultural characteristics were not significant factors associated with measles in children. However, knowledge and attitudes towards measles and measles immunization was positive and favourable among the respondents. CONCLUSION: The main factors contributing to measles were low measles vaccination coverage, lack of formal education among caretakers, inadequate housing, service delivery factors which include knowledge and practice gaps by health workers and inadequate supplies for vaccine cold chain maintenance. However, there was high awareness and positive attitude towards measles immunization. RECOMMENDATIONS: Promote formal and functional adult literacy education, community sensitization about the performance of vaccination, promote poverty eradication programmes targeting the urban poor to facilitate better housing. Health workers should be retrained in the delivery of vaccination programmes and adequate supplies made available for cold chain maintenance.