Measles Containing Vaccine Status and Associated Factors among Children Aged 6–60 Months with Measles Attending Public Hospitals in War-Torn Regions of Sana’a City, Yemen: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Measles remain a significant public health threat, particularly in conflict-affected regions such asYemen,where health systems are compromised, leading to decreased immunization coverage and recurrent outbreaks. This study aimed to assess measles-containing vaccine (MCV1 and MCV2) status and identify associated factors among children aged 6–60 months presenting with measles at a hospital in Sana’a city, Yemen. Methods: A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1 to July 28, 2024, in seven public hospitals in Sana’a city. We interviewed caregivers of 350 children aged 6–60 months who were clinically diagnosed with measles. Data on sociodemographics, clinical presentation, vaccination status (verified by card or recall), and reasons for nonvaccination were collected via a structured questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with MCV uptake, reported as adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Among the 350 children with measles, only 17.14% (60/350) had received MCV1, and a mere 7.43% (26/350) had received two doses (MCV2). Strikingly, 75.43% (264/350) were completely unvaccinated against measles. Multiple logistic regression identified several factors significantly associated with being unvaccinated: children of mothers with no formal education (AOR = 4.79; 95% CI: 1.23–18.68), child lethargy (AOR = 2.47; 95% CI: 1.19–5.15), history of diarrhea (AOR = 2.15; 95% CI: 1.07–4.34), caregiver fear of vaccine side effects (AOR = 8.53; 95% CI: 3.66–19.87), perception that the vaccine is not important (AOR = 6.26; 95% CI: 2.17–18.07), paternal refusal due to vaccine rumors (AOR = 8.49, 95% CI: 3.21–22.43), distance to the hospital (AOR = 6.33; 95% CI: 2.09–19.22), and natural feeding (AOR = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.15–4.37). Conclusions: The rate of vaccination against measles among children presenting with the disease in Sana’a city is critically low, far below the recommended targets for disease control. Fear of side effects, misconceptions about vaccine importance, paternal refusal due to rumors, and access barriers are key modifiable factors contributing to nonvaccination. Urgent, intensified vaccination campaigns coupled with targeted health education addressing identified fears and misconceptions are crucial. Efforts must also focus on improving access to vaccination services and actively refuting rumors within the community.