An assessment of the Measles immunisation status and management in Engela district, Ohangwena region
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Date
2016
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
Immunisation is one of the most cost effective public health interventions that provide protection against infectious diseases. The purpose of this study was to assess and describe the measles immunisation status and vaccine management in the Engela district. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using a proportionate and systematic sampling technique. A structured administered interview to participants, supplemented with an observational checklist to assess measles coverage, vaccine and cold chain management. The data was analysed using Epi Info.7 software and setting p-values of 0.05 for statistical significance.
A total of 162 parents/caregivers of the children aged between 9-59 months were interviewed and 17 public health facilities were assessed. The median age of children was 24.5 months and 88 (54.3%) were males. The majority of children 155 (95.7%) had been vaccinated against measles, with a 95% confidence interval of (91.3% - 98.3%). More unvaccinated children were diagnosed with measles compared to the vaccinated (28.6% vs 6.5%, p=0.029), and this could be attributed to vaccine failure or improper management of vaccines and the cold chain. Receiving information on immunization was associated with vaccination (p = 0.0001). Fifteen (88%) of the health facilities had functional cold chain equipment and vaccines that were stored at temperatures ranging between +2°C and +8°C. The storage management of the vaccines however did not meet the minimum storage requirements as backup systems were flawed in the sense that gas cylinders or generators were not available for the refrigerators in case of power outages. The coverage was also sub-optimum as 13 (76%) of the health facilities had a measles coverage of less than 80%, and 8 (47.1%) had a dropout rate of more than 10%. Recommendations were submitted to the Ministry of Health and Social Services. The more important recommendations focused on reviving the health education sessions, increasing the routine measles coverage and reducing the dropout rate as well as improving the vaccine and cold chain management.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Applied Epidemiology
Keywords
Measles immunisation, Engela