CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
Immunization programs stand as cornerstone initiatives in global public health, safeguarding communities against preventable diseases and ensuring the well-being of vulnerable populations, particularly under-five children. Despite commendable efforts, a persistent challenge faced by immunization initiatives is the alarming dropout rates among this age group during routine immunization. This phenomenon raises concerns about incomplete vaccination coverage, the potential for outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, and the overall effectiveness of healthcare interventions. To address this critical issue, there is an imperative need to explore innovative strategies, such as the introduction of new incentive programs, designed to bridge the gap of dropout among under-five children. This research endeavors to delve into the nuanced dynamics of this topic, focusing on the case study of Ningi Local Government Area (LGA) in Bauchi State, Nigeria.
Routine immunization refers to the scheduled vaccinations provided to individuals, particularly children, to protect them against various infectious diseases. In the context of this study, routine immunization is the primary intervention aimed at preventing vaccine-preventable diseases among under-five children. Dropout rates, within the context of routine immunization, denote the proportion of under-five children who fail to complete the recommended vaccination schedule. This includes children who do not receive the full course of required vaccinations within the specified timeframe. The new incentive program is an intervention strategy designed to motivate parents and guardians to ensure their under-five children complete the routine immunization schedule. Incentives can take various forms, including financial rewards, educational materials, or healthcare services.
The relationship between routine immunization, dropout rates, and the new incentive program is pivotal to understanding the dynamics of this study. Routine immunization is the overarching process, with dropout rates representing a critical variable within this system. The new incentive program serves as an intervention variable designed to influence and potentially mitigate the dropout rates among under-five children during routine immunization.
Routine immunization is influenced by a myriad of factors, including healthcare accessibility, community awareness, and the quality of healthcare services. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), socioeconomic factors, cultural beliefs, and geographic barriers can impact routine immunization uptake (WHO, 2019). Dropout rates may be influenced by factors such as parental education, vaccine misinformation, fear of side effects, and logistical challenges in accessing healthcare facilities. Research by Rainey et al. (2011) highlights these factors as contributors to incomplete immunization schedules in various settings.
The success of the new incentive program depends on factors such as community engagement, the perceived value of incentives, and the alignment of incentives with the needs and preferences of the target population. Studies on incentive-based interventions, such as one by Mekonnen et al. (2019), emphasize the importance of tailoring incentives to local contexts.
1.2 Statement of the problem
Several problems necessitate conducting research on the role of a new incentive program in bridging the gap of dropout among under-five children during routine immunization in Ningi Local Government Area (LGA) of Bauchi State. These problems include:
1. High Dropout Rates: There is a significant and concerning trend of under-five children dropping out of routine immunization programs in Ningi LGA. The reasons behind this high dropout rate need to be identified to develop targeted strategies for improvement.
2. Incomplete Immunization Coverage: The dropout of children from routine immunization results in incomplete vaccination coverage, leaving a portion of the under-five population susceptible to preventable diseases. This incomplete coverage poses a public health risk, and understanding the reasons for dropout is essential to addressing this gap.
3. Impact on Herd Immunity: Incomplete vaccination coverage can compromise herd immunity, which is crucial for protecting the entire community from the spread of infectious diseases. Research is needed to evaluate how the dropout rates affect community-wide immunity and potential outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
4. Effectiveness of Current Strategies: It is unclear whether the existing strategies and interventions to maintain routine immunization schedules for under-five children are effective. The introduction of a new incentive program suggests a recognition of the need for innovative approaches, but the effectiveness of such interventions needs rigorous evaluation.
5. Socioeconomic and Cultural Barriers: Socioeconomic and cultural factors may be contributing to the dropout rates. Research is required to understand how these factors influence parents' decisions regarding their children's immunization and whether the incentive program addresses or exacerbates these barriers.
6. Resource Allocation: The implementation of a new incentive program involves resource allocation. Research is necessary to assess whether the resources allocated to the incentive program align with the needs of the community and whether there are better ways to utilize resources for maximum impact.
7. Community Engagement and Awareness: The success of any immunization program relies on community engagement and awareness. Research can shed light on the level of awareness within the community about the importance of routine immunization and whether the incentive program contributes positively to community participation.
8. Long-Term Sustainability: Understanding the long-term sustainability of the incentive program is crucial. Research can investigate whether the program is scalable, economically viable, and whether it has the potential to be integrated into routine healthcare practices. Hence, this study seeks to investigate the role of new incentive program bridging the gap of dropout among under five children during routine immunization. a case study of ningi lga of bauch state.
1.3 Objective of the study
To assess the role of the new incentive program in reducing dropout rates among under-five children during routine immunization in Ningi LGA, Bauchi State.
To examine the factors influencing the success of the new incentive program in bridging the gap of dropout among under-five children during routine immunization.
To analyze the impact of the new incentive program on the overall immunization coverage in Ningi LGA.
1.4 Research Questions
What is the role of the new incentive program in reducing dropout rates among under-five children during routine immunization in Ningi LGA, Bauchi State?
What are the factors influencing the success of the new incentive program in bridging the gap of dropout among under-five children during routine immunization?
What is the impact of the new incentive program on the overall immunization coverage in Ningi LGA?
1.5 Research hypotheses
Null Hypothesis (H0): The new incentive program has no significant impact on reducing dropout rates among under-five children during routine immunization in Ningi LGA.
Alternative Hypothesis (H1): The new incentive program significantly reduces dropout rates among under-five children during routine immunization in Ningi LGA.
1.6 Significance of the study
Theoretical Significance:
1. Advancement of Immunization Theory: The research contributes to the advancement of immunization theory by exploring the role of incentives in addressing the persistent issue of dropout rates among under-five children during routine immunization. This theoretical understanding can potentially influence immunization strategies and policies on a broader scale.
2. Behavioral Insights in Healthcare: The study delves into the behavioral aspects related to routine immunization of under-five children, shedding light on the effectiveness of incentive programs. This can inform theoretical frameworks in health behavior and help in designing interventions that align with the socio-cultural context.
3. Policy Implications: Theoretical insights from the research can guide the development of evidence-based policies aimed at improving immunization programs. Understanding the mechanisms through which incentives impact dropout rates contributes to the theoretical foundations of policy development and implementation in public health.
Practical Significance:
1. Improving Immunization Programs: The research outcomes can directly inform the improvement of immunization programs, particularly in low-resource settings. Practical insights gained from the study can guide health practitioners, policymakers, and program managers in designing more effective and targeted interventions to reduce dropout rates.
2. Enhancing Community Engagement: Practical implications of the research include strategies to enhance community engagement in routine immunization. Understanding the role of incentives can provide actionable insights for healthcare professionals to build trust, awareness, and cooperation within the community, thereby improving overall vaccination rates.
3. Resource Allocation and Budgeting: The findings can be crucial for resource allocation and budgeting in public health initiatives. Practical knowledge about the impact of incentives on dropout rates allows for informed decision-making regarding the allocation of financial resources, ensuring that funds are directed towards interventions with proven effectiveness.
4. Public Health Intervention Design: The study's practical significance lies in its potential to guide the design and implementation of public health interventions. Insights gained can be utilized to tailor incentive programs that are culturally sensitive, economically viable, and adaptable to the specific challenges faced in Ningi LGA and similar contexts.
5. Long-term Health Outcomes: By addressing the dropout issue among under-five children during routine immunization, the research has practical implications for long-term health outcomes. Successful interventions can contribute to reduced vaccine-preventable diseases, lower healthcare costs, and improved overall community well-being.
1.7 Scope of the study
This study focuses to assess the role of the new incentive program in reducing dropout rates among under-five children during routine immunization in Ningi LGA, Bauchi State, examine the factors influencing the success of the incentive program in bridging the gap of dropout among under-five children during routine immunization, and to analyze the impact of the incentive program on the overall immunization coverage in Ningi LGA. Hence health care practitioners in general hospital ningi shall serve as enrolled participants for this study.
1.8 Limitation of the study
Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are:
Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.
Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.
Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.
1.9 Definition of terms
1. Incentive Program: An Incentive Program refers to a systematic and structured initiative designed to motivate and encourage a targeted group, in this case, caregivers of under-five children, to actively participate and complete routine immunization schedules. Incentives may include tangible rewards, such as financial incentives, health benefits, or other positive reinforcements, aimed at promoting and maintaining immunization adherence.
2. Bridging the Gap: Bridging the Gap in this context signifies the efforts and strategies employed to overcome obstacles and reduce the occurrences of dropout among under-five children during routine immunization. It involves implementing measures to ensure that children receive the full schedule of recommended vaccinations without interruptions, addressing any barriers that may hinder the completion of the immunization process.
3. Dropout: Dropout, in the context of routine immunization, refers to the discontinuation or interruption of the immunization schedule for under-five children before they receive the full course of recommended vaccines. This interruption may occur for various reasons, such as logistical challenges, lack of awareness, cultural beliefs, or other barriers that prevent caregivers from completing the vaccination series.
4. Under-Five Children: Under-Five Children refers to individuals aged between 0 and 5 years. In the context of routine immunization, this age group is particularly vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases, and completing the recommended immunization schedule is crucial for building immunity and protecting them from serious health risks.
5. Routine Immunization: Routine Immunization involves the regular and scheduled administration of vaccines to individuals, particularly infants and young children, to protect them from various infectious diseases. The immunization schedule typically includes a series of vaccines recommended by health authorities to be administered at specific ages to ensure optimal protection against preventable diseases.
ABSTRACT
The general objective of the study was to describe the extent and type of female involvement in crime and analy...
ABSTRACT
This research study was aimed at identifying the impact of Computer Based Instruction on the...
ABSTRACT
Just as every sector of the economy is eager to improve her condition through various research work, it is...
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to examine the effect of covid-19 pandemic on hotel patronage. The study aimed to as...
ABSTRACT
Health and Safety (H&S) training is one of the most widely adopted practices for improving workplace safety. Existing H&...
Abstract
Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy in Nigeria is a government accounting system under which all government re...
Background of the study
The phrase "knowledge is power" is not an exaggeration. The majority...
EXCERPT FROM THE STUDY
1. The problems of property taxation in Nigeria is undervaluation,incomplete registers and policy inadequacy...
ABSTRACT
This study is aimed at identifying the factors affecting career choice among senior secondary schools stude...
Abstract
Crisis is part of human society which exist through the interaction of man another with another that must be managed otherwise t...