Factors contributed to Poliomyelitis outbreak in Khartoum state

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the factors that contributed to poliomyelitis outbreak in Khartoum state in year 2004-2005, these factors (which represented as specific objectives) included knowledge, attitudes, and practices of targeted population toward poliomyelitis in relation to route of entry, mode of transmission, infectivity and prevention methods. In addition to other factors which included immunization status of the infected children, accessibility and availability of immunization services, socioeconomic factors and people migration. The study was designed as case study and conducted in Khartoum state and covered the seven localities in the year 2006. The study comprised all the mothers of children who developed poliomyelitis during the last epidemic in Khartoum state in the year 2004- 2005, 40 mothers out of 42 mothers were involved in this study (total coverage), the remaining two cases were not available in Khartoum state during the study period, data about these factors had been collected through standardized questionnaire, check list of observation, records and reports of state immunization program, the data analyzed by statistical package (SPSS) and the results presented in tables and figures. The study revealed that (62.5%) of the infected children parent's were illiterate. The study revealed that (100%) of the targeted population had poor knowledge about the polio virus port of entry, (60%) don’t know mode of transmission of polio virus, (33.3%) don’t know the details of poliomyelitis preventive methods. According to the presences of the immunization card (76.7%) of the targeted population had poor practices towards utilization of immunization services. The study revealed that (47.3%) of the infected children received zero – less than 3 doses in both routine and NIDs. 13 Also the study revealed that (71%) of the respondents resided in poor environment sanitation and (87%) of the infected children had poor personal hygiene. With regard to accessibility of immunization service, the study reveled that (100%) of respondents had good accessibility to immunization services. The study recommended that: 1. Designing an effective health education programs directed to the areas at high risk and where outbreaks are expected in order to raise awareness about poliomyelitis transmission, complications, and the methods of prevention. 2. Health education programs must be implemented intensively during outbreaks or even during the presence of sporadic cases, which is by experience proved its effectiveness.