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
Background of the study
In recent years, data analytics has emerged as a powerful tool in retail business management, provi...
Background of the study
The safety of students within educational institutions is a top priority, as emergencies such as na...
Background to the study
In-service Teachers refers to teacher involves schooling and working at the same time. An in-ser...
Background of the Study
The Nigerian oil industry, particularly companies like Seplat Energy Plc, is a crucial sector th...
Background of the study
Religious indoctrination has long been recognized as a powerful influence on poli...
Background of the Study
Traditional oral literature remains a cornerstone of cultural identity among the Igbo people, espe...
Abstract
Music is can be seen as the relationship between sound and silence. Duration and rhythm apply to silence in the...
ABSTRACT
The study deals on children and mass media use: A study of the vote of mass media use in child...
Background of the Study
Blockchain technology, a decentralized and immutable ledger sy...
Background of the Study :
Trade facilitation measures have emerged as vital instruments in enhancing export performance by...