Background of the Study
Child immunization is one of the most effective public health interventions to prevent infectious diseases and reduce childhood mortality. Vaccines help to protect children from life-threatening diseases such as polio, measles, diphtheria, and hepatitis, which continue to be prevalent in Nigeria, including Katsina State. Despite the availability of vaccines and immunization programs, the level of parental awareness and the extent to which parents actively engage in these programs vary widely across urban and rural areas (Eze et al., 2023).
In urban areas of Katsina State, healthcare infrastructure is generally more developed, with better access to immunization services, healthcare personnel, and information dissemination channels such as hospitals and health campaigns. Conversely, rural communities may face challenges such as limited healthcare access, lower literacy rates, cultural misconceptions, and inadequate knowledge about the importance of immunization, all of which may negatively influence parental participation in immunization programs (Aliyu & Bello, 2024).
Parental awareness plays a critical role in ensuring that children are immunized according to the recommended schedule, as low awareness is a major barrier to achieving high vaccination rates. Studies suggest that rural parents often have less knowledge about immunization schedules and the importance of vaccines, which may result in missed vaccination opportunities and an increase in vaccine-preventable diseases (Garba et al., 2023). This comparative study seeks to explore the differences in parental awareness of child immunization in urban and rural areas of Katsina State, identifying factors that influence this awareness and proposing recommendations for improving vaccination rates.
Statement of the Problem
Parental awareness of child immunization is crucial in the fight against vaccine-preventable diseases, yet disparities exist in the level of awareness between urban and rural areas in Katsina State. While urban areas tend to have higher rates of awareness due to better access to information and healthcare services, rural areas may be hindered by misinformation, logistical challenges, and cultural factors. These disparities contribute to uneven vaccination coverage, potentially leading to outbreaks of preventable diseases in under-immunized communities. The lack of comprehensive data on this issue highlights the need for a study to assess parental knowledge and identify strategies to bridge the awareness gap.
Objectives of the Study
To compare parental awareness of child immunization in urban and rural areas of Katsina State.
To identify factors influencing parental knowledge and attitudes towards child immunization in urban and rural areas.
To assess the impact of parental awareness on the immunization rates in urban and rural communities.
Research Questions
What are the differences in parental awareness of child immunization between urban and rural areas in Katsina State?
What factors contribute to the level of parental awareness about child immunization in urban and rural areas?
How does parental awareness of child immunization affect immunization rates in urban and rural communities?
Research Hypotheses
There is a significant difference in parental awareness of child immunization between urban and rural areas of Katsina State.
Factors such as education, access to healthcare, and cultural beliefs significantly influence parental awareness of child immunization.
Higher parental awareness is positively associated with higher immunization rates in both urban and rural areas.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on parents in urban and rural areas of Katsina State who have children aged 0-5 years. Data will be collected through surveys and interviews to assess the level of awareness regarding immunization schedules, benefits, and available vaccines. Limitations include potential biases in self-reporting and variations in access to healthcare and education in different regions.
Definitions of Terms
Parental Awareness: The knowledge and understanding that parents have about the importance, schedule, and availability of vaccines for children.
Immunization: The process of making a person immune or resistant to an infectious disease, typically through the administration of vaccines.
Urban Areas: Areas characterized by higher population density, better healthcare infrastructure, and more accessible health services.
Rural Areas: Areas with lower population density, limited healthcare access, and potential barriers to obtaining information on health issues.
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