Rubella Immunity Gap: A Cross-sectional study on Spatial Distribution, Correlates and Predictors among Women of Reproductive Age, Southwest Nigeria

Abstract Background: Rubella occurs worldwide and it is a leading cause of preventable congenital abnormalities. Paucity of data exists on the national morbidity burden of rubella infection, particularly among women of reproductive age in Nigeria. Added to this is the absent immunization policy on rubella vaccination in Nigeria. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey for rubella IgG (Immunoglobulin G) antibodies among women of child-bearing age in Ekiti State. Multi-stage sampling technique was used for the selection of respondents. Data was collected quantitatively using interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Blood sample was collected for qualitative assay of rubella IgG from each respondent. Also, there was recording of GPS (Global Positioning System) co-ordinates of sampled households. Data entry and analysis was through the use of SPSS 23 and level of statistical significance was predetermined at a p-value of < 0.05. Result: The mean age of the women was 30.5±7.9 years and 43.2% of them were in the age group 25-34 years. There was wide spread immunity gap as majority of the respondents, 482 (84.1%) had negative IgG serology which cuts across both rural and urban communities in the spatial map. Level of education, parity, number in households and prior vaccination were associated with rubella immunity (p<0.05). Higher Levels of education, increase number in households and urban community were significantly predictive of rubella immunity. Conclusion: There is wide immunity gap which cuts across both rural and urban areas. To reduce the wide spread immunity gap, increase herd immunity, the Federal Government of Nigeria needs to introduce rubella vaccination in the National Immunization.