INVESTIGATING FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE OUTBREAK OF MEASLES IN THE TAMALE METROPOLIS

Abstract

Measles is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality especially in the developing countries, including Ghana. From the beginning of 2012, reports from the Tamale Metropolitan Health Directorate showed an upward trend of measles cases. In 2011 the number of cases went up to 37 from 11 the previous year, and in 2012, the figure increased to 651. 60 samples sent to the Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research in 2012, which is the only accredited institution for confirming such cases, were confirmed. Measles outbreak was does declared in the Tamale metropolis. The objective of the research, therefore, was to assess the .. factors underlying the outbreak of measles in the metropolis. The study area was the Tamale Metropolis; study type was retrospective using mixed method approach, and the study population being children in the Tamale metropolis. Data collection methods used were secondary data from public health units of Ghana Health Service structures, and primary data from in depth and face to face interview, administering written questionnaire, observation and inspection. Percentage, frequency charts, cross tabulation were constructed. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results of the study showed that 41.7% of the children, who were admitted with measles, were not immunised for measles though they were due; 29.9% were immunised and still had the measles infection, and 28.8% were below 9 months and were not due for immunisation. Densely populated communities had higher disease burden. It was also noted that infection prevention practices and facilities were poor in the health institutions. It was concluded that, non-vaccination of children in the metropolis, high population density, poor infection prevention practices in the health facilities and poor public health/clinical care collaboration, contributed greatly to the spread of measles in the metropolis. It was recommended that the Tamale Metropolitan Health Directorate should target all children due for vaccination in the metropolis for vaccination.