COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS POLIO IMMUNIZATION IN NORTHERN NIGERIA
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Background
Poliomyelitis remains a major public health concern where population immunity is incomplete and circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) persists. Although Nigeria interrupted wild poliovirus (WPV) transmission in 2020, cVDPV cases continue to pose challenges, particularly in parts of northern Nigeria. Modern control strategies require a synergy of routine immunization, supplementary campaigns, disease surveillance, and community trust.
Methods
This multicentre descriptive cross-sectional study evaluated community knowledge and attitudes towards polio immunization across 37 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 20 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). A multistage sampling strategy was utilized to select 1,850 adult respondents (50 per LGA) spanning rural, semi-urban, and urban settlements.
Results
Overall, 40.4% (n = 747) of respondents demonstrated good knowledge, while 58.4% (n = 1,080) displayed positive attitudes towards polio immunization. A striking disparity was observed across residence classifications: respondents in urban/semi-urban LGAs exhibited significantly higher levels of good knowledge (51.7%, 569/1,100) compared to those in rural LGAs (23.7%, 178/750; χ 2 = 144.00, df = 1, p < 0.001). Main sources of information were Questionnaire responses (53.6%) and community and Traditional leaders(17.2%).
Conclusion & Recommendations
Substantial knowledge deficits persist in rural northern Nigerian communities despite generally favorable attitudes. Interventions must prioritize localized risk communication, involvement of traditional/religious leaders, strengthening routine primary healthcare integration, and targeting zero-dose children in hard-to-reach areas.
