Background of the Study
Immunization is one of the most effective public health interventions to prevent childhood diseases and reduce child mortality rates. Despite global efforts to increase immunization coverage, regions like Benue State in Nigeria face significant challenges, including logistical difficulties, lack of awareness, and low access to healthcare services. The role of healthcare providers, particularly nurse practitioners (NPs), in improving immunization coverage is gaining recognition. Nurse practitioners, with their advanced training, can take on roles in immunization advocacy, education, and delivery, thus playing a key part in addressing barriers to immunization and ensuring higher coverage rates (Adebayo et al., 2023).
In Benue State, immunization coverage has been below optimal levels, with reports indicating that a significant proportion of children do not receive complete immunization (Adeyemi et al., 2024). This challenge is exacerbated by a shortage of healthcare providers, especially in rural and underserved areas. Nurse practitioners, who are skilled in clinical care, health education, and patient management, are well-positioned to address these issues. They can educate parents, identify unvaccinated children, and provide immunizations directly or supervise immunization campaigns. Given their critical role, it is important to evaluate how nurse practitioners can improve immunization coverage and overcome existing barriers in Benue State.
This study aims to explore the role of nurse practitioners in improving immunization coverage among children in Benue State by assessing their involvement in immunization programs and the impact of their work on vaccination rates.
Statement of the Problem
Immunization coverage remains suboptimal in Benue State despite efforts to improve access to vaccines. This study seeks to evaluate the contribution of nurse practitioners in improving immunization coverage among children, addressing challenges such as logistical barriers, public hesitancy, and lack of resources.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the role of nurse practitioners in improving immunization coverage among children in Benue State.
2. To evaluate the impact of nurse practitioners on parents' awareness and knowledge of immunization.
3. To identify the barriers and challenges faced by nurse practitioners in delivering immunization services in Benue State.
Research Questions
1. What role do nurse practitioners play in improving immunization coverage among children in Benue State?
2. How do nurse practitioners influence parents' awareness and knowledge of immunization in Benue State?
3. What challenges do nurse practitioners face in delivering immunization services in Benue State?
Research Hypotheses
1. Nurse practitioners positively influence immunization coverage rates among children in Benue State.
2. Nurse practitioners contribute significantly to increasing parental knowledge and awareness about the importance of immunization in Benue State.
3. Barriers such as lack of resources, transportation challenges, and parental reluctance hinder the effectiveness of nurse practitioners in improving immunization coverage.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurse practitioners working in Benue State and their involvement in immunization programs. Limitations may include the availability of data in rural areas, resistance from parents to immunization programs, and variations in the scope of nurse practitioners' roles across different healthcare settings.
Definitions of Terms
• Nurse Practitioners: Advanced practice nurses who are trained to provide comprehensive healthcare, including conducting immunizations, health education, and patient management.
• Immunization Coverage: The percentage of children who receive all the recommended vaccinations according to national immunization schedules.
• Non-communicable Diseases: Chronic conditions that are not transmitted between individuals, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer, which require long-term management.
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