ORIGINAL: Rubella IgG Immunity: Spatial Distribution, Euclidean Distance Analysis, Correlates and Predictors among Women of Reproductive Age, Southwest Nigeria

West Afr J Med. July 2025; 42(7): 581-589 PMID: 41378734

Authors

  • K. A. Durowade Department of Community Medicine, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, and Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria.
  • O. I. Musa Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Ilorin, and University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria.
  • M. A. Adeniyi Department of Community Medicine and Primary Care, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
  • R. B. Mudashiru Department of Civil Engineering, Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria.
  • T. A. Sanni Department of Community Medicine, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, and Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria.
  • A. G. Salaudeen Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Ilorin, and University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria.
  • S. T. Suleiman Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria.
  • O. R. Ilori Department of Community Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
  • D. B. Parakoyi Department of Community Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.

Keywords:

Correlates, Nigeria, Predictors, Rubella Immunity, Spatial Distribution, Women

Abstract

Background: Rubella 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.

Objectives: To determine the spatial and Euclidean distribution, correlates and predictors of rubella immunity among women of reproductive age in Ekiti state, southwest Nigeria.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey for rubella IgG antibodies among women of reproductive age selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Data was collected quantitatively using interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Blood sample was collected for qualitative assay of rubella IgG. Global Positioning System (GPS) co-ordinates of sampled households were recorded. Euclidean distance tool in the ArcGIS environment analyzed the proximity to established rubella IgG negative areas. Data entry and analysis was through the use of Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) 23 and level of statistical significance was set at p-value < 0.05.

Result: The mean age of the women was 30.5±7.9 years. A total of 482 (84.1%) had negative rubella IgG serology. There was wide spread immunity gap. Educated respondents (p=0.009), higher number of inhabitants in households (p=0.011), ever married (p<0.001) and prior vaccination history (p<0.001) were associated with rubella immunity. Secondary education (aOR=2.47; p=0.046) and urban location (aOR=0.45; p=0.003) were predictive of rubella immunity (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The rubella immunity gap cuts across both rural and urban areas with a potential for disease spread in the Euclidean-determined proximal 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. KEYWORDS: Rubella Immunity, Spatial Distribution, Correlates, Predictors, Women, Nigeria.

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Published

2025-07-31

Issue

Vol. 42 No. 7 (2025): The West African Journal of Medicine

Section

Articles