Knowledge, Attitude and Uptake of Vaccination among Under-Five Children in a Semi-urban Community in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: Nigeria at large has a high burden of infant mortality and under-five deaths. Some of these deaths are caused by vaccine-preventable diseases. This research aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of mothers on childhood vaccination and also determine the uptake of vaccination among their under-five children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 440 women of reproductive age who had under-five children living in Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State. They were selected via a multi-stage sampling technique and data was obtained with the aid of a pre-tested interviewer-administered, structured questionnaire. The child's vaccination card was also assessed. Data were analyzed using the computer software IBM SPSS version 21.0. Results: Almost all (432, 98.2%) of the respondents were aware of childhood vaccination. A little over half (238, 54.0%) were knowledgeable that vaccinations should begin from the first day of life, however, most were informed that vaccines prevent infectious diseases (426, 96.8%) and reduce the rate of death and disabilities (421, 95.7%). A large number (431, 98.0%) thought that distance, timing of the clinic, travel and waiting time, as well as cost, should not prevent the vaccination of a child. The majority (409, 93.0%) of the children were adequately vaccinated for age, however, only one-third (132, 30.0%) of the respondents had their vaccination cards available for sighting. Conclusion: Most of the mothers were knowledgeable and had a positive attitude towards vaccination with a high vaccination uptake, however, the card retention rate was very low.