Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Childhood Immunization Among Nursing Mothers in Gombe, Nigeria
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Abstract
Childhood immunization remains one of the most effective strategies for reducing morbidity and mortality among children under 5. Despite this, immunization coverage in Gombe State remains below optimal levels. Understanding the knowledge, attitudes and barriers experienced by nursing mothers at key service points is essential for improving vaccine uptake.
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 381 nursing mothers attending child welfare and immunization clinics at Zainab Bulkachuwa Women and Children Hospital, Gombe. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and logistic regression with statistical significance set at p<0.05.
Overall, 74.8% of mothers demonstrated good knowledge of childhood immunization. Although awareness of the importance of vaccines was high (95.3%), fewer mothers correctly identified the timing of the first schedule (67.2%) and the recommended number of doses (72.4%). A higher educational level and urban residence were significantly associated with better knowledge.
Most mothers (76.6%) had a positive attitude toward immunization. However, concerns about side effects (38.6%) and the perception that immunization is primarily the government's responsibility (22.3%) remained. 28.6% reported missing at least one scheduled immunization appointment. The main reasons: vaccine stock-out (45.0%), fear of side effects (32.1%), long waiting times (62.5%) and vaccine shortages (48.3%). poor knowledge, negative attitude, vaccine stock-outs, and long waiting time independently predicted missed appointments, with stock-outs showing the strongest association.
In conclusion, while most nursing mothers attending the hospital have good knowledge and positive attitudes toward immunization, important gaps in schedule-related knowledge, persistent fear about side effects, and health system challenges continue to hinder optimal uptake. Addressing these issues through targeted health education, especially for less educated and rural mothers, alongside strengthening vaccine supply, reducing waiting time is essential to improve immunization completion rates and child health outcomes in Gombe State.
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