Factors affecting measles immunization coverage among children 12-24 months in Cueibet

Abstract

South Sudan is among the countries with the worst health indicators, with 99.2 child deaths per 1,000 live births, and measles, being a contagious disease, is among the causes of child death in the country. The study therefore aimed at assessing the factors affecting uptake of measles immunization coverage among Children aged 12-24 Months in Cueibet County Specific objectives were to assess the coverage of measles immunization among children 12-24 months in Cueibet County; determine the relationship between demand-side (social, economic) factors and measles immunization in Cueibet County; determine the perception of caretakers on measles immunization; determine the supply side (provider‟s knowledge, attitude, and supply of measles vaccines) factors affecting the uptake of measles immunization in Cueibet County A cross-sectional descriptive research design was used and both qualitative and quantitative methods were engaged. Both simple random and purposive sampling procedures were used to sample the villages, caretakers of the Children, Healthcare workers, and the managers/supervisors of the healthcare workers, while the analysis involved both descriptive and inferential analysis techniques. The study findings revealed 70% measles immunization coverage; at the demand side, marital status, number of people living in a household, religion, source of income, and knowledge of measles immunization had positive relationships while time taken to reach a health facility affects immunization uptake negatively; on perception, the study found increased level of awareness on immunization increases acceptance and utilization of the immunization services; Lastly, at supply side, long waiting time and fear of adverse side effects were the contributing factors for low measles immunization. In conclusion, the 70% coverage found in the study is less than the expected 95% coverage to provide herd immunity in the population and is responsible for the observed frequent outbreak of measles diseases as more susceptible children continue to accumulate in the population hence bridging the knowledge gap, ensuring a continuous supply of vaccines, and strengthening behavior change communication on measles vaccines as well as strengthening mobile outreach services are highly recommendable to improve immunization services uptake in Cueibet County Keywords; Measles, susceptible, Immunization