Maternal Characteristics and Immunization Status of Children Among Rural Ihotu Women Cooperative Society at Eke, Okpokwu Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Nigeria is one of the countries that have the least routine immunization coverage in the world. Morbidity and mortality caused by vaccine preventable diseases are very high in Nigeria. Immunization could be routine or supplemental campaigns. Routine immunization refers to the nationally scheduled regular administration of vaccine dosages to infants at specified ages. Children are usually taken to the health facility by their parents or care givers to receive age-appropriate doses of antigens. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess maternal characteristics such as knowledge, perception and practice and the immunization status of their children 0 to 5 years. Methods: This was a cross- sectional study of rural cooperative women who had an index child of less than five years and were eligible. The 252 respondents were selected using computer generated numbers. A questionnaire was used to collect information on demography, knowledge, perception and practice of immunization. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 27.98±6.45 and over 59% of the children were between 0-6 months. Over 86% had formal education, 96.0% were aware of routine immunization and 94.0% believed vaccines could prevent diseases. Eight-five percent took their children for immunization and 92.0% immunized their children at appropriate age. Awareness of routine immunization and took child for immunization all had statistically significant association with mothers’ education (p≤0.05). Conclusion: Routine immunization coverage in Nigeria is low. The results of this study had shown that mothers in Nigeria had improved in taking their children for immunization. This indicated that immunization uptake had also improved compared to previous reports.