The Knowledge and Attitude towards Childhood Immunization amongst Mothers Attending Antenatal Clinic in Lagos University Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Immunization remains one of the most important public health interventions and a cost effective strategy to reduce both the morbidity and mortality associated with infectious diseases. Over two million deaths are delayed through immunization each year worldwide. Childhood immunization is an act of inducing immunity to a child by applying a vaccine that almost guarantees protection from many major diseases. This present study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude of mothers attending antenatal clinic in Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) towards childhood immunization as the findings obtained may serve as the basis for effective intervention. This study is a descriptive cross-sectional survey of the knowledge and attitude of 274 mothers attending antenatal clinics in LUTH towards childhood immunization between April and June, 2009. The results showed that almost all the respondents were aware of immunization and that immunization could prevent childhood illness (93.8%; 98.1%) respectively. However, some of the respondents (28.8%) felt immunization will make their children brilliant. A large percentage of the respondents (45.5%) thought that polio vaccines ought to be given five (5) times while only 8.6% knew it should be given four (4) times. There were significant (P<0.05) relationships between age of respondents; ethnicity; level of education; occupation and attitude to immunization. However, there was no significant (P>0.05) relationship between religion and attitude to immunization. Although majority of the mothers were aware of immunization services, their knowledge of immunization schedule as well as of vaccine preventable diseases is poor. A better understanding of routine immunization schedule is important in the design and implementation of immunization programmes. Educating mothers about the vaccines and vaccine preventable diseases, and improving their performance are recommended.