Abstract
Vaccination demand and acceptance depends on several factors that are quite broad and complex. The knowledge and attitude of a mother to childhood immunization play a key role in immunization coverage. Low immunization coverage in Nigeria is mostly attributed to poor knowledge, compliance, accessibility and inappropriate attitude among other factors. Poor compliance with full immunization is believed to be the most significant reason for low immunization coverage in the country due to socio-cultural obstacles to the acceptance of immunization. Aim: This study aims to assess the factors that determine the attitude of mothers towards immunization. Methodology: A hundred (100) mothers were recruited into this cross-sectional descriptive study using a simple random sampling technique. Data collection was performed by using a structured questionnaire. This study was carried out in Ukpenu community in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. This study was carried out in the Ukpenu community in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. 100 mothers were recruited into the study using a simple random sampling technique. Result: The results showed that the respondents have a positive attitude towards immunization. This was evident in the immunization report. Their record revealed that most of their children were fully immunized. This is seen in their readiness to fully immunize their children against childhood vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), their willingness to recommend full immunization of children to their friends, relatives and other women, and their readiness to purchase the vaccines if they are no longer available free of charge to ensure that their children are fully immunized. It was discovered that educational status plays a contributory role in the knowledge and attitude of mothers towards immunization. Conclusion: Maternal health education should be sustained to ensure continuous compliance and a positive attitude of mothers towards immunization.
Highlights
Every year more than 10 million children in low and middle-income countries die before they reach their fifth birthday (Ajala, 2017)
Despite the fact that immunization is proven to be the most successful and cost-effective public health intervention in reducing childhood morbidity and mortality, the global vaccination coverage has remained stalled at 86% since 2010, with no significant changes during the past years (WHO, 2016)
Of the estimated 19.5 million infants that were not reached with routine immunization services worldwide in 2016, 60% of them live in 10 countries including Nigeria (WHO, 2016)
Summary
Every year more than 10 million children in low and middle-income countries die before they reach their fifth birthday (Ajala, 2017). Preventable diseases remain the most common cause of childhood mortality with an estimated 3 million deaths each year (World Health Organization [WHO], 2016). According to World Health Organization (2016) global vaccination coverage is holding steady, and an estimated 22 million infants worldwide are still missing out on basic vaccines. Despite the fact that immunization is proven to be the most successful and cost-effective public health intervention in reducing childhood morbidity and mortality, the global vaccination coverage has remained stalled at 86% since 2010, with no significant changes during the past years (WHO, 2016). Of the estimated 19.5 million infants that were not reached with routine immunization services worldwide in 2016, 60% of them live in 10 countries including Nigeria (WHO, 2016)
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