Measles second dose vaccine uptake and associated factors among children aged 24-35 months in Nedjo District, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended incorporating the second dose of measles-containing vaccines into routine immunization program. Ethiopia has also introduced the second dose of the measles vaccine into its routine immunization program in 2019. However, there is limited evidence on the uptake of the second dose and its associated factors in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to assess second-dose vaccine uptake and its associated factors among children aged 24-35 months in Nedjo District, West Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 620 children aged 24-35 months in Nedjo District from June to July 2023. A systematic sampling technique was used to select the participants. Data was collected using pretested and structured questionnaires. Three midwives and three nurses were collected the data. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize the characteristics of the participants. A logistic regression model was used to assess factors associated with second-dose of measles vaccine uptake. The statistical significance was set at p-value < 0.05.

Results: The uptake of the second dose of measles vaccine among children in Nedjo District was 61.4% [95% CI (57–65)]. Living in urban area (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI: 1.1–11.5), college and above maternal education level (AOR = 13.1, 95% CI: 3.1–55.7), having postnatal care follow-up (AOR = 9.6, 95% CI: 3.1–30.1), waiting time less than 30 minutes to access vaccination service (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI: (1.8–6.4), and having knowledge on the recommended age for the second dose of measles vaccination (AOR = 8.0, 95% CI: 4.4–14.7) were significantly associated with second-dose measles vaccination uptake.

Conclusion: Second dose measles vaccine uptake in Nedjo District is below the global recommended coverage. Targeted interventions are required to address issues such as rural residence, lower maternal education levels, lack of postnatal care follow-up, long waiting times for vaccination services, and limited awareness of the recommended age for the second dose.