Factors Associated with Measles Occurrence Among Children 0-5 years in Health Facilities in Gombe State

Introduction: Measles remains a significant public health concern among children in Nigeria, particularly in Gombe State. This vaccine-preventable disease poses a substantial threat to the health and well-being of children aged 0-5 years. In light of this, our study aimed to investigate the factors associated with Measles occurrence in this vulnerable age group.

Methods: A case-control design was employed to assess the factors contributing to Measles occurrence among children aged 0-5 years in Gombe State, Nigeria. Data collection involved the administration of a structured questionnaire to both cases and controls, and SPSS version 23.0 was utilized for data analysis.

Results: The analysis revealed a strong association between risk factors and Measles occurrence, with malnutrition emerging as a significant risk factor, increasing the likelihood of Measles infection by 24 times in malnourished children compared to their healthy counterparts. The mean age of the children was 3.09 years (SD±0.152 years). However, there was no significant relationship between Measles prevalence and its occurrence among children aged 0-5 years. Furthermore, the study highlighted the co-relationship between risk factors and predisposing factors, emphasizing the importance of data quality in understanding Measles outbreaks. Additionally, it was found that the educational level of parents did not significantly influence Measles occurrence in this age group.

Conclusion: This study underscores the need for comprehensive vaccination programs, improved data quality, and effective public health education campaigns to reduce Measles incidence among children aged 0-5 years in Gombe State, Nigeria. These findings can inform targeted interventions and collaborative efforts among healthcare providers, governmental agencies, and communities to enhance Measles prevention and control strategies, ultimately safeguarding the health of the pediatric population.