BMC Infect Dis. 2025 Nov 3;25(1):1484. doi: 10.1186/s12879-025-11966-4.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Measles remain a significant public health concern, especially in Botswana, where sporadic and silent epidemics continue to challenge existing control measures. This study aimed to determine the health system and caregivers related factors influencing measles vaccine uptake.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between September and October 2024 in Chadibe village. The facility registers served as the data source and the study analyzed information from 201 under-fives records with a follow up caregivers questionnaire used to capture information on sociodemographic variables and health system related factors. Statistical analysis involved frequencies, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression.
RESULTS: Our study revealed that 82.6% of children received first dose of measles vaccine, while 50.2% received the second dose. Both figures are lower than the WHO target. The key determinants related to two doses of measles vaccination include care giver characteristics and health system related. Caregivers aged 18-25 years (OR: 4.42; 95% C.I: 1.22-16.00, P = 0.023), 26-30 years (OR: 1.71; 95% C.I: 0.59-4.94) and 31-35 years of age (OR: 2.74; 95% C.I: 1.026-7.36) were more likely to get their children immunized. Care givers who walked to the health facility (OR: 2.28;95% CI:0.86-6.00), used public transport (OR:1.94; 95% CI 0.74-5.06) found vaccine to be always available (OR 12.8;95%CI: 2.24-73.92, P 0.004) sometimes available (OR 7.09;95% CI: 1.45-34.60, P0.01) were associated with the likelihood to have their children fully vaccinated. On multivariate analysis, caregivers who completed senior secondary education (AOR: 6.59; 95% CI: 1.02-7.36, P = 0.01), working full time (AOR = 1.77, 95% CI: 0.64-4.92) travelled less than 5 km to the health facility (AOR: 3.47;95% CI: 1.49-8.10, P = 0.004), received fairly good quality of service (AOR:2.20; 95% CI: 1.02-4.73, P = 0.043) had measles vaccine information (AOR = 3.97, CI = 1.455-10.85,P = 0.007) were also more likely to immunize their children.
CONCLUSION: The complete dose of measles vaccination rate in Chadibe is still low compared to the first dose of measles vaccination and global target. This study provides valuable insights into the epidemiology of the Measles vaccination. The low vaccination uptake highlights the urgency of raising awareness about vaccine importance and strengthening routine immunization programs.
CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.
PMID:41184818 | DOI:10.1186/s12879-025-11966-4
