Knowledge and Acceptance of Childhood Immunization Of Killer Diseases in Zaria Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Wonole Jennifer; Said Ibrahim YarZever PhD

doi:10.56201/ijebm.vol.11.no6.2025.pg152.160

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Knowledge and Acceptance of Childhood Immunization Of Killer Diseases in Zaria Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Wonole Jennifer, Said Ibrahim YarZever PhD

Abstract

This study examined the knowledge and acceptance of childhood immunization against killer diseases in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Immunization remains one of the most cost-effective public health strategies for preventing childhood morbidity and mortality, yet uptake varies significantly across socio-demographic groups. This research employed a cross-sectional survey design involving 384 respondents selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Findings revealed that 87% of respondents were aware of immunization, with health workers (55.2%) and television (30.7%) being the primary sources of information. The majority of respondents (88.8%) reported allowing their children to be immunized, and 80.5% affirmed that immunization services were provided free of charge. Education (44.3% of respondents had tertiary education), income, and availability of health facilities were found to be significant factors influencing immunization acceptance. A chi-square test showed a statistically significant relationship between education and acceptance of immunization (?² = 72.364, p < 0.001), while religion showed an insignificant association (?² = 7.402, p = 0.007). Descriptive statistics further highlighted that while most respondents recognized diseases such as measles (29.7%) and malaria (21.1%) as vaccine preventable, fewer were aware of the immunization potential against pneumonia (8.9%) and tuberculosis (12.5%). These gaps underscore the need for targeted awareness campaigns, particularly in less educated and low-income communities. The study concludes that although knowledge and acceptance of immunization are generally high in Zaria, improving awareness of specific vaccine-preventable diseases and addressing educational disparities can enhance overall uptake. These findings are crucial for publi

Keywords

Childhood ImmunizationKnowledgeAcceptanceEducation

References

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Knowledge and Acceptance of Childhood Immunization Of Killer Diseases in Zaria Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

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