Community knowledge, attitude and practice of childhood immunization in Southwest Nigeria: Data from a Paediatric Association of Nigeria town hall meeting

Abstract

Background: Vaccine preventable diseases account for 22% of under-five deaths in Nigeria and poor knowledge and attitude have been responsible for non-vaccination of children. This study aimed to assess the knowledge,
attitude and practice of childhood immunization among community members in Ile-Ife.
Methods: Quantitative data (using an interviewer-administered questionnaire) was collected from a convenience sample of 36 adult
residents who attended a town hall meeting with the Paediatric
Association of Nigeria. Two focus group discussions were also conducted
among sub-samples of male and female respondents.
Results: The mean age of respondents was 43.2 ± 11.9 years with a
male to female ratio of 1:0.7. Most had secondary education (63.9%)
and had children (91.7%). Most of the respondents understood what
immunization was and knew the benefits but were unaware of several
of the specific types of immunization. There were erroneous beliefs about the contraindications for immunization and mothers were entrusted with the sole responsibility of getting children immunized. Although most of the
respondents had immunized their children, they identified laziness of
mothers, negative attitude of health workers and logistics problems
at facilities as barriers to patronage of immunization services.
Conclusion: This study identified knowledge gaps and negative attitudes
towards childhood immunization. We therefore recommend a community-wide health education intervention with emphasis on substantial male involvement in immunizations and improvement in
immunization service delivery.

Key words: Community, knowledge, attitude, childhood immunization.