Socio-demographic factors affecting the first and second dose of measles vaccination status among under-five children: Perspectives from South Asian countries.

BACKGROUND

The measles vaccine is crucial in preventing fatalities and reducing widespread childhood infections worldwide, yet achieving the desired immunization rates remains a challenge in developing countries. Our study aims to identify the impact of socio-demographic factors on measles vaccination among children in South Asian countries.

METHODS

Participants (89513) were taken from the most recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) datasets of South Asian countries between 2015 and 2021. Descriptive statistics and multivariable analyses were employed to find out the factors associated with measles vaccination among South Asian countries.

RESULTS

Our study found that the first dose of vaccinated children was 51.7 % in Afghanistan which is the lowest among South Asian countries. The key determinants related to two doses of measles vaccination include parental characteristics, media access, and antenatal care (ANC). Mothers who had done baby postnatal checkups (AOR = 1.22, CI = 1.17-1.26) and made more than four ANC (AOR = 1.77, CI: 1.65-1.89) were more likely to fully immunize their child than mothers with no postnatal and antenatal checkups.

CONCLUSION

The complete dose of measles vaccination rate in South Asia is still low compared to the first dose of measles vaccination among children. The government and stakeholders should organize frequent awareness programs through media and health personnel to inform people about routine vaccinations to eliminate measles.