ABSTRACTBackground: Immunization programmes globally have seen the introduction of several vaccines over the years. These vaccines have contributed immensely to the fight against neonatal and infant morbidities across the countries, and the eradication of some infectious and dreaded diseases such as smallpox and poliomyelitis. It can be confidently maintained that …
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ABSTRACTBackground: Immunization programmes globally have seen the introduction of several vaccines over the years. These vaccines have contributed immensely to the fight against neonatal and infant morbidities across the countries, and the eradication of some infectious and dreaded diseases such as smallpox and poliomyelitis. It can be confidently maintained that increasing number of infectious diseases can be classified as vaccine preventable diseases which provides the avenue for the development of its related vaccines for prevention. The 2016 Ghana Health Service (GHS) Annual Report showed that in 2015, about 76% of districts in Ghana had more than 80% measles rubella 1 coverage while districts which had more than 80% coverage for measles rubella 2 was only 43%. However, in 2018, the percentage of districts having more than 80% measles rubella 1 coverage increased from 76% to 81% but that of measles rubella 2 decreased from 43% to 41% (GHS, 2019). The sharp difference in drop-out rate in measles rubella 1 and 2 coverage is highly significant in Ayensuano district. This study therefore seeks to identify health service factors that are associated with the drop-out rate between MR1 and MR2. Method: The study used a cross-sectional design with analysis of data from all facilities within Ayensuano District which provide immunization service. The study was purely quantitative and using STATA version 14, data was analysed, and results presented in graphs and tables. Results were reported in frequencies and percentages as well as odds ratios. Result: A total of 38 facilities participated in the study. All the facilities are public health facilities serving averagely 5-10 communities with immunization services by at least two health workers who are dedicated to immunization activities. Each facility serves averagely between 1-100 children age 0-11 months and 12-23 months each within a month. The drop-out rate between MR1 and MR2 were associated with number of health workers working on immunization, availability of special programme reaching missed children and availability of vaccines. Other significant factors include availability of functional refrigerator for storing vaccines and effective supportive supervision. Conclusion and Recommendation: Drop-out rate between MR1 and MR2 is not related to only one factor. All the three health services factors discussed presented some key indicators that affects the drop-out rate between MR1 and MR2. It is therefore recommended that an integrated approach to tackle all the various factors are addressed.
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