Factors associated with non-vaccination against measles among 12-23 months old children in Yirgachefe district of SNNPR, Ethiopia, 2016

Abstract Immunization is an effective and proven tool for controlling and eliminating life-threatening vaccine preventable infectious diseases. In Ethiopia 5% of childhood mortalities are due to measles. Despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, measles outbreaks secondary to non-vaccination are occurring in southern Ethiopia especially in Yirgachefe district. This study was done to assess the risk factors associated with non-vaccination against measles. A Community-based unmatched case control study was conducted in Yirgachefe district from December 1-31, 2016.Cases were children in the age group of 12- 23 months of age who did not take measles vaccination and controls were children in the same age group who took at least one dose of measles vaccine. The study was done in 6 randomly selected kebeles and cases and controls were selected randomly by probability proportional to size sampling. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Statistical significance was interpreted using Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and P value <0.05.A total of 320 individuals (107 cases and 214 controls) were approached for interview with a response rate of 93.75%. Of the cases, 57% were males and more than half fall in the 12-18 months age group. Knowledge regarding measles vaccination was also asked and among cases 72% heard about measles, 26% knew that all children should be vaccinated, 31% had awareness about the right age of vaccination, 60% agrees that measles is vaccine preventable and 65% knew that it is contagious. In multivariable logistic regression, Lack of Ante Natal Care follow up(ANC) (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) =3.57; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.22-10.44), lack of knowledge on the importance of vaccination, who should be vaccinated and if measles is contagious with an AOR and CI of (AOR=6.81; 95% CI: 1.56-29.64), (AOR=4.29; 95% CI: 1.83-10.04) and (AOR=8.97; 95%CI: 3.15-25.58) respectively were independent risk factors.Education and awareness about measles and its immunization should be given to the community. Additionally, ANC follow up should also be strengthened.