Immunization is one of the most effective public health interventions for preventing infectious diseases in children. Despite the proven benefits of immunization, childhood vaccination rates in Nigeria, including Kano State, remain suboptimal, contributing to preventable childhood morbidity and mortality (Oluwaseun et al., 2024). One critical factor influencing vaccination rates is parental knowledge and awareness of the importance of immunization, which significantly affects their willingness to vaccinate their children.
In Kano State, where there are pockets of low immunization coverage, there is a need to understand the relationship between parental knowledge and the uptake of childhood immunization. Factors such as cultural beliefs, educational background, and misconceptions about vaccines contribute to low immunization rates (Kasim et al., 2023). This study seeks to investigate how parental knowledge about immunization influences the decision to vaccinate children in Kano State, aiming to identify gaps in knowledge and suggest targeted interventions.
Despite various immunization campaigns in Kano State, the immunization coverage remains below the desired targets. This is partly due to the lack of accurate knowledge among parents about the benefits of immunization, which affects their decision-making regarding childhood vaccinations. By investigating the relationship between parental knowledge and immunization uptake, this study will contribute valuable insights into how to increase vaccination rates in the state.
This study will focus on parents in Kano State who have children under the age of five. Data will be collected through surveys and interviews. Limitations include potential biases in self-reported knowledge and the challenge of reaching remote areas with low healthcare access.