KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF MOTHERS TOWARDS IMMUNIZATION IN OREDO PRIMARY HEALTH CENTRE, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of mothers towards immunization in Oredo primary health center, Benin City, Edo state. Four research questions were raised to guide this study. The descriptive research design was adopted for this study and random sampling technique was used to select 100 (one hundred) women in Oredo primary health center. Data was collected from the 100 respondents using a closed ended questionnaire with twenty (20) tems. The data collected was analyzed and interpreted using simple frequencies, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Based on the data collected and analyzed, it was discovered that women in Oredo Primary health center have positive knowledge and attitudes towards immunization. Also from the data collected and analyzed, it is observed that factors such as distance to health facility, cultural and religious beliefs, advice from family and friends, fear of vaccine causing harm and social media information influences women’s decision in accepting or refusing vaccines for their children. Lastly, it was discovered from the responses provided by respondents that mothers in Oredo PHC trust information provided by healthcare professionals regarding immunization. It was recommended that Intervention programs aimed at improving knowledge and attitudes towards immunization among mothers should be designed to reinforce immunization practices across the country. It was recommended that educational campaigns should be organized to change negative perceptions of mothers towards immunization as a result of religious and cultural background. And lastly, it was recommended that Government should work to improve access to healthcare facilities within the country where immunization services are offere