Beliefs, Knowledge and Perception of Parents to Peadeatric Vaccination in Lagos State, Nigeria

Rasheed Kola Ojikutu

doi:10.5539/jms.v2n2p227

Abstract

This study examined the belief, knowledge and perception on parents to immunization of children in Lagos State. Questionnaires were distributed to a sample of 1000 parents seeking for their opinion on various issues pertaining to their perception about child immunization. In addition, the study did a general literature review on immunization coverage in Nigeria taking into cognizance the beliefs of the Yoruba of South-West Nigeria to which the study area (Lagos State) is an integral part.The result shows that although, many parents have knowledge about the efficacy of vaccination for their children, yet culture overrides such knowledge in some cases. The result shows that gender of parents does not significantly affect their belief about immunization and their willingness to present children for routine immunization. However, marital status, education and religion significantly influence such belief.It is concluded that the culture and beliefs of the Yoruba in Lagos State is too complex to be ignored in any public health plan, if such plan is to be effectively and efficiently implemented.

Highlights

Asakitikpi (2008) quoting United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) (2002), WHO (2004) and FOS (2005), explained that the quest to minimize infant and child mortality in the country is one of the greatest challenges facing the Federal Government of Nigeria
This study examined the belief, knowledge and perception on parents to immunization of children in Lagos State
Adeiga et al (2006) explained that immunization is cost effective in reducing vaccine preventable diseases and to achieve this, there should be high immunization coverage which will in turn promote child health, reduced childhood diseases and death

Summary

Introduction

Asakitikpi (2008) quoting UNICEF (2002), WHO (2004) and FOS (2005), explained that the quest to minimize infant and child mortality in the country is one of the greatest challenges facing the Federal Government of Nigeria. The estimated mortality rate of children below five years of age is between 97 and 120 per thousand births. According to WHO (2001) in Adeyinka, Oladimeji, Adeyinka &Aimakhu (2009)observed that immunization is one of the most effective, safest and efficient public health interventions and it is estimated to save at least 3 million lives from vaccine preventable diseases. 2.5 million children die every year from preventable infectious diseases with the year 2000 alone resulting in 0.777 million deaths and 2million disabilities from measles. In another study, Adeiga et al (2006) explained that immunization is cost effective in reducing vaccine preventable diseases and to achieve this, there should be high immunization coverage which will in turn promote child health, reduced childhood diseases and death. TAdeiga et al (2006) observed that many factors such as poor knowledge of immunization, lack of suitable venues, long waiting, transportation difficulties, non-medical facilities and poor motivation impede smooth realization of the objectives of immunization programmes

Methods

Results

Conclusion