FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH COVERAGE GAP OF MEASLES VACCINATION IN SAGNERIGU DISTRICT

Abstract

People in Northern Ghana especially caregivers of children are mostly characterized to be poor and illiterates which make them vulnerable to peasant occupations translating into their negligence in vaccinating their children against the measles virus. Sagnerigu Municipality was chosen as a case study in this regard. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 300 caregivers and 40 clinic staff for the study. A questionnaire was used as a method of data gathering to obtain views of respondents about the factors associated with measles coverage gap and Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS version 20) was used as statistical tool to analyse the data obtained. After the study, one key finding was that the caregivers with low educational level are likely not to vaccinate their children against measles 1 and 2. Another finding was that vaccination services were rendered free of charge to caregivers. The study recommended the following. Objective one; the health directorate should device a plan by which proper education of the relevant health program is carried out in the Municipality. Of particular importance will be the need to vaccinate children against the childhood diseases. Objective two; Parents/caregivers should be encouraged by Ministry of Education to take up non formal education which will boost their entrepreneurial zeal to help improve their economic standard. Objective three; health staff should do a follow-up vaccinations and also monitor side effects.