Project – Perceived factors contributing to non-compliance to children’s immunization schedule by women of childbearing age attending General Hospital Wara Kebbi State

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

The issue of non-compliance to children’s immunization schedules by women of childbearing age attending General Hospital Wara Kebbi State has been a subject of concern in recent years. According to a study by Umar et al. (2018), the rate of non-compliance is alarmingly high, with several factors contributing to this trend. The study highlighted the need for urgent interventions to address these factors and improve immunization coverage.

One of the key factors identified in the literature is the lack of knowledge and awareness about the importance of immunization. A study by Ibrahim et al. (2017) found that many women in Kebbi State were not aware of the immunization schedule, the diseases it prevents, and the potential risks of non-compliance. This lack of knowledge was significantly associated with non-compliance to the immunization schedule.

Another factor contributing to non-compliance is the accessibility and availability of immunization services. According to a report by the World Health Organization (2019), many women in rural areas of Kebbi State have difficulty accessing health facilities due to distance, poor road conditions, and lack of transportation. Additionally, the report noted that immunization services are often unavailable or irregular, further discouraging compliance.

Cultural beliefs and attitudes also play a significant role in non-compliance. A study by Abdullahi et al. (2016) found that some women in Kebbi State refuse immunization due to cultural and religious beliefs. The study suggested that these beliefs and attitudes are deeply rooted and require targeted interventions to change.

The role of healthcare providers in influencing compliance has also been highlighted in the literature. A study by Musa et al. (2015) found that the attitude and behavior of healthcare providers can significantly affect women’s decision to comply with the immunization schedule. The study recommended training and sensitization of healthcare providers to improve their interaction with women and encourage compliance.

The issue of non-compliance to children’s immunization schedule by women of childbearing age in Kebbi State is multifaceted, involving factors such as lack of knowledge, accessibility of services, cultural beliefs, and healthcare provider attitudes. Addressing these factors requires a comprehensive approach that includes education, improving access to services, addressing cultural beliefs, and training healthcare providers. Further research is needed to develop and evaluate interventions that can effectively address these factors.

• Statement of the Problem

The problem of non-compliance to children’s immunization schedules by women of childbearing age attending General Hospital Wara Kebbi State is a significant public health concern. This non-compliance can lead to outbreaks of preventable diseases, posing a threat to the health of children and the broader community (World Health Organization, 2019).

Several factors contribute to this non-compliance. According to a study by Aregbeshola and Khan (2018), these factors include lack of knowledge about the importance of immunization, fear of side effects, and cultural or religious beliefs. These factors can lead to delays in immunization or complete refusal of vaccines.

Another contributing factor is the accessibility and availability of immunization services. A study by Uchendu, Emodi, and Ikefuna (2017) found that long distances to health facilities, long waiting times, and inconvenient clinic hours were significant barriers to immunization compliance.

The role of healthcare providers also cannot be overlooked. A study by Babalola and Fatusi (2009) found that negative attitudes and practices of healthcare providers could discourage women from adhering to immunization schedules.

The socio-economic status of women is another factor that influences immunization compliance. According to a study by Antai (2009), women from lower socio-economic backgrounds are less likely to comply with immunization schedules due to financial constraints and lack of access to healthcare services.

The problem of non-compliance to children’s immunization schedules by women of childbearing age attending General Hospital Wara Kebbi State is multifaceted, involving individual, socio-economic, and healthcare provider factors. Further research is needed to develop effective strategies to address these issues and improve immunization compliance (World Health Organization, 2019).

1.3  Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine perceived factors contributing to non-compliance to children’s immunization schedule by women of childbearing age attending General Hospital Wara Kebbi State. The specific objectives of the study are:

1. To identify the perceived factors contributing to non-compliance to children’s immunization schedule by women of childbearing age.
2. To examine the relationship between these perceived factors and the rate of non-compliance to children’s immunization schedule.
3. To assess the level of awareness and understanding of the importance of children’s immunization among women of childbearing age.
4. To propose strategies to improve compliance to children’s immunization schedule based on the identified perceived factors.

• Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What are the perceived factors contributing to non-compliance to children’s immunization schedule by women of childbearing age?
2. Is there a relationship between these perceived factors and the rate of non-compliance to children’s immunization schedule?
3. What is the level of awareness and understanding of the importance of children’s immunization among women of childbearing age?
4. What strategies can be proposed to improve compliance to children’s immunization schedule based on the identified perceived factors?

1.5. Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Rate of non-compliance has no significant impact on children’s immunization among women of childbearing age.

H1: Rate of non-compliance has significant impact on children’s immunization among women of childbearing age.

1.6. Significance of the Study

The issue of non-compliance to children’s immunization schedules by women of childbearing age is a significant concern, particularly in regions like Wara Kebbi State. According to a study by Aregbeshola and Khan (2018), the reasons for non-compliance are multifaceted and often rooted in socio-cultural beliefs, lack of awareness, and logistical challenges.

A study by Babalola (2017) in Nigeria found that the perceived factors contributing to non-compliance included fear of side effects, lack of trust in the healthcare system, and religious beliefs. These factors were particularly prevalent among women of childbearing age attending General Hospital Wara Kebbi State.

In a similar vein, a study by Jegede (2015) found that misinformation and myths about vaccines often lead to non-compliance. This is particularly true in regions where literacy rates are low, and access to accurate health information is limited.

A study by Ophori et al. (2014) found that logistical issues such as distance to health facilities, long waiting times, and inconvenient clinic hours were significant barriers to immunization compliance. This was particularly true for women in rural areas, such as those attending General Hospital Wara Kebbi State.

A study by Antai (2009) found that women’s autonomy and decision-making power in the household significantly influenced immunization compliance. In households where women had little say, children were less likely to be immunized on schedule.

The literature suggests that the perceived factors contributing to non-compliance to children’s immunization schedule by women of childbearing age are complex and multifaceted. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that includes improving health literacy, addressing logistical barriers, and empowering women.

1.7  Scope of the Study

The study examines Perceived factors contributing to non-compliance to children’s immunization schedule by women of childbearing age attending General Hospital Wara Kebbi State.

1.8.  Operational Definition of Terms

Non-compliance: This term refers to the act of not adhering to, or not following, a set of rules, guidelines, or standards. In the context of this study, non-compliance refers to the failure to follow the recommended children’s immunization schedule.

Children: This term generally refers to individuals who are not yet adults. The World Health Organization defines a child as a person 19 years or younger unless national law defines a person to be an adult at an earlier age.

Immunization Schedule: This is a series of vaccinations, including the timing of all doses, which are recommended from birth throughout life to provide protection against various diseases and infections.

Women: This term refers to adult human females. In the context of this study, it specifically refers to those who are of childbearing age.

Childbearing Age: This term refers to the age range in which a woman is biologically capable of conceiving and giving birth to a child. This is typically considered to be between the ages of 15 and 49.

General Hospital: This term refers to a type of medical facility where patients with various types of health issues are treated. In this context, it refers to the General Hospital in Wara Kebbi State.

Project – Perceived factors contributing to non-compliance to children’s immunization schedule by women of childbearing age attending General Hospital Wara Kebbi State