Knowledge, Attitude and Barriers towards Children Immunization among Women in Selected Rural Primary Health Centres

Abstract

This study explored the knowledge, attitude and barriers to children immunization among women in four selected Rural Primary Health Centres. Immunization coverage rates in Nigeria have remained very poor especially in rural communities despite a plethora of programs and strategies. A survey research questionnaire made up of three trajectories (Attitude, knowledge and barriers to childhood immunization) was used in this study (n= 79, mean= 33 +/-6.9years). This study made use of descriptive and inferential statistic. The SPSS software was used to analyze the data. The study indicates that about 80% of the respondents are aware that immunization services are available at primary healthcare centres, but less than half are aware that immunization against polio is meant for children who are 5 years and below. For barriers, about 53% reported they have no confidence in the quality and safety of vaccines being used while 62% reported that health workers are not sufficiently trained. For attitude, most agreed that immunization make children grow healthy (66%). In this study, knowledge of immunization was a better predictor of barriers to immunization (β = 0.633; t = 2.108; p < 0.05). Mothers could be motivated to have their children immunized by doubling efforts at enlightening them and by reiterating the benefits of child immunization to pregnant women during ante-natal clinics. Good healthcare facilities and improve personnel services will encourage more uptakes of immunization services.