Background of the Study
Immunization is one of the most effective public health interventions to prevent infectious diseases and protect the health of both individuals and communities. The World Health Organization (2023) highlights immunization as a critical strategy in reducing the global burden of vaccine-preventable diseases. However, despite the widespread availability of vaccines and public health campaigns, immunization coverage remains suboptimal in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. In northern Nigeria, where Maiduguri is located, immunization rates are particularly low due to factors such as poverty, cultural beliefs, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and insecurity (Adebayo et al., 2024).
In Maiduguri, the State Specialist Hospital is one of the key health facilities where mothers can access immunization services for their children. Immunization compliance among mothers is crucial for achieving herd immunity and reducing the incidence of preventable diseases, such as polio, measles, and hepatitis (Umar et al., 2025). Despite efforts to increase immunization rates through national and state-level campaigns, there are concerns that many mothers in Maiduguri continue to refuse or delay immunization for their children. Understanding the factors that influence immunization compliance is vital in addressing these barriers and improving vaccination coverage.
Factors influencing immunization compliance include socio-economic status, education level, cultural practices, and awareness of the importance of vaccines (Chukwu et al., 2024). In Maiduguri, insecurity and displacement due to ongoing conflicts further exacerbate these challenges. Furthermore, misinformation about vaccines has led to reluctance among some mothers to vaccinate their children, contributing to low immunization rates (Ajao et al., 2023). This study seeks to appraise the compliance of mothers with immunization schedules at the State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri, and identify the factors contributing to non-compliance.
Statement of the Problem
Immunization non-compliance remains a major public health issue in Maiduguri, despite the efforts of both governmental and non-governmental organizations to increase vaccine coverage. The State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri plays a crucial role in the administration of vaccines to children; however, immunization rates are lower than expected. Many mothers in the region refuse or delay immunizing their children, leading to increased vulnerability to preventable diseases. The reasons for this non-compliance are not well-understood, and little research has been done to explore the underlying factors affecting immunization practices among mothers in Maiduguri. This study aims to examine the reasons behind immunization non-compliance and provide an appraisal of the current immunization practices.
The persistent low immunization coverage in Maiduguri is exacerbated by factors such as socio-cultural beliefs, lack of awareness about the importance of vaccines, and limited access to healthcare facilities due to insecurity. The problem is compounded by the challenges of addressing vaccine hesitancy and overcoming misinformation. Understanding these barriers is essential to developing effective strategies that can increase immunization compliance among mothers and ultimately reduce the incidence of preventable diseases in Maiduguri.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The scope of the study is limited to mothers attending the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri for immunization services. The study will focus on identifying factors influencing immunization compliance and non-compliance. The limitations include the possibility of biased responses from mothers, as well as challenges related to security in the region that may affect the participation of certain individuals.
Definitions of Terms
THE IMPACT OF PATERNALISTIC LEADERSHIP ON ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE
This study examines t...
Background of the Study
Medical tourism, the practice of traveling to another country for medical treatment, has become a s...
Background of the Study
The International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) have emerged as a...
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Sports commentary plays a pivotal role in engaging fans, providing not on...
Background of the study
Phonetic training, which focuses on improving speech sound production through targeted instruction...
Background of the Study
Instagram captions in Nigeria provide a unique window into digital code‑mixing, where users blend...
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Tourism is a major economic driver worldwide, with countries increasingly...
ABSTRACT
Land use changes are global phenomenon occurring over time. Commercial land uses in most Nigerian urban centres have sprawled an...
ABSTRACT: The role of early childhood education in cultural identity forma...
Continuous professional training (CPT) is a critical aspect...