KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PERCEPTION OF MOTHERS OF UNDER-FIVE CHILDREN TOWARD CHILDHOOD ROUTINE IMMUNIZATION PROGRAMME IN ABUJA MUNICIPAL AREA COUNCIL, NIGERIA
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Background
Vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) remain a major public health challenge among children under five in Nigeria, despite sustained government efforts to provide access to essential vaccines. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of mothers with under-five children regarding routine childhood immunization at primary healthcare centers in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted using a multi-stage sampling technique to select 281 mothers of under-five children. Data were collected using structured questionnaires covering sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) regarding routine immunization. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and chi-square tests were applied to identify associations between sociodemographic variables and KAP outcomes at a significance level of p < 0.05.
Results
Most respondents (94.7%) recognized the importance of routine immunization in preventing VPDs. However, 37.4% lacked awareness of specific vaccines required, and 13.2% considered vaccines potentially harmful. While 97.2% reported adhering to the immunization schedule, uptake of supplementary vaccines was low (17.8%) due to financial constraints. Overall perceptions were positive, with 97.5% viewing vaccines as safe, though sociocultural factors, particularly religion, influenced these perceptions. Statistically significant associations were observed between household income and both knowledge (χ = 25.930, p < 0.001) and perception (χ = 10.230, p = 0.010), with mothers from lower-income households demonstrating better knowledge and more favorable perceptions. Higher educational attainment was also significantly associated with better knowledge (χ = 32.250, p < 0.001). No significant associations were found for age, marital status, employment status, or ethnicity (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
Although mothers in AMAC generally have positive attitudes and perceptions toward routine immunization, critical knowledge gaps persist. Socioeconomic and educational factors significantly influence maternal understanding and acceptance. Targeted health education and economic support initiatives are essential to bridge knowledge gaps and enhance vaccine uptake in this population.
