Factors Influencing the Acceptance of Immunization Among Mothers Who Attend Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, Abia State

Abstract

Immunization is one of the most effective and cost-efficient public health interventions for preventing childhood morbidity and mortality caused by vaccine-preventable diseases. Despite the availability of routine immunization services in Nigeria, incomplete immunization remains a challenge due to various socioeconomic, cultural, and health system-related factors. This study assessed the factors influencing the acceptance and uptake of immunization among mothers attending the Maternal and Child Health Unit of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 380 mothers of children aged 0–5 years attending FMC Umuahia. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire that assessed socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of immunization, immunization practices, and factors influencing vaccine uptake. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies and percentages, while Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with complete immunization uptake at a significance level of p < 0.05. The majority of mothers (59.7%) were below 30 years of age, 96.8% were married, and 37.9% had primary education or less. Most respondents demonstrated good knowledge of immunization, with 91.8% knowing that immunization should commence within the first week of life. 60.5% of children had completed their immunization schedule. The major reason for accepting immunization was disease prevention (86.8%), while the leading causes of missed immunization doses were vaccine unavailability (31.9%) and transportation difficulties (18.8%). Factors hindering immunization uptake included non-availability of vaccines (39.0%), ignorance (20.0%), religious influences (8.2%), and cultural beliefs (5.8%). Maternal educational level was significantly associated with complete immunization uptake (χ² = 8.132, p = 0.017). Mothers with secondary education (AOR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.31–6.01, p = 0.008) and tertiary education (AOR = 2.78, 95% CI: 1.25–6.17, p = 0.012) were significantly more likely to complete their children's immunization schedules compared to those with primary education or less. Acceptance and uptake of immunization among mothers attending FMC Umuahia were generally high and strongly influenced by maternal education, vaccine availability, accessibility of healthcare services, and knowledge of immunization benefits. Strengthening health education programs, ensuring uninterrupted vaccine supply, improving transportation access, and addressing sociocultural misconceptions are essential strategies for improving immunization coverage and achieving optimal child health outcomes.