The Importance of Immunization in Children 0-5 Years in Nigeria (A Case Study of Gboko LGA, Benue State)
Chapter One
Objective of the study
The primary objective of this study is to comprehensively assess the importance of immunization in children aged 0-5 years in Nigeria, with a focus on identifying and addressing the challenges and barriers that impact immunization coverage rates and the overall effectiveness of immunization programs. Specifically, this study aims to:
- Evaluate the current immunization coverage rates among children aged 0-5 years in various regions of Nigeria.
- Investigate the specific obstacles that hinder parents and caregivers from accessing vaccination services for their children.
- Examine the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy among parents and caregivers and identify the reasons behind vaccine refusal or delay.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
Vaccination of Children
Immunization and vaccination are two of the most important public health interventions and constitute 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. Despite this fact, vaccine-preventable diseases remain the most common cause of childhood mortality with an estimated three million deaths each year. In recent times, vaccination has had a major impact on measles deaths. From 2000 to 2005, more than 360 million children globally received measles vaccine through supplementary immunization activities. Moreover, improvements have been made in routine immunization over this period.
These accelerated activities have resulted in a significant reduction in estimated global measles deaths. Overall, global measles mortality decreased by 60% between 1999 and 2005. The largest gains occurred in Africa where measles cases and deaths decreased by nearly 75% . Thus, there is a lot of pressure on health facilities in different countries in controlling the disease through vaccination. Indeed, measles is targeted by the WHO in its expanded programme of immunization (EPI).
According to the National Programme on Immunization, routine immunization of children in Nigeria is carried out using the following vaccines;
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BCG ( Bacilli Calmette Guerin)—at birth or as soon as possible after birth
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OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine)—at birth and at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age
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DPT (Diphtheria, pertusis, tetanus)—at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age
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Hepatitis B—at birth, 6 and 14 weeks
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Measles—at 9 months of age
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Yellow Fever—at 9 months of age
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Vitamin A—at 9 months and 15 months of age
According to the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health definition, a child is considered fully vaccinated if he or she has received a BCG vaccination against tuberculosis; three doses of DPT to prevent diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus; at least three doses of polio vaccine; and one dose of measles vaccine. All these vaccinations should be received during the first year of life, over the course of five visits, including the doses delivered at birth.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine the Importance Of Immunization In Children 0-5 Years In Nigeria. Gboko LGA Benue State form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain The Importance Of Immunization In Children 0-5 Years In Nigeria (A Case Study Of Gboko LGA Benue State). In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of The Importance Of Immunization In Children 0-5 Years In Nigeria
Summary
This study was on The Importance Of Immunization In Children 0-5 Years In Nigeria (A Case Study Of Gboko LGA Benue State). Three objectives were raised which included: Evaluate the current immunization coverage rates among children aged 0-5 years in various regions of Nigeria, Investigate the specific obstacles that hinder parents and caregivers from accessing vaccination services for their children and examine the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy among parents and caregivers and identify the reasons behind vaccine refusal or delay. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from Gboko LGA Benue State. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
The study underscores the importance of immunization as a cornerstone of child health and public health in Nigeria. While challenges persist, the findings offer valuable insights and recommendations for addressing these issues and ultimately improving the health and well-being of children aged 0-5 years in Nigeria. It is imperative that stakeholders at all levels, from policymakers to healthcare workers to communities, collaborate to implement the study’s recommendations and work toward the goal of comprehensive immunization coverage and disease prevention in the country.
Recommendation
Based on the findings of the study on the importance of immunization in children aged 0-5 years in Nigeria, the following recommendations are proposed to address the identified challenges and improve immunization programs:
- Establish more vaccination clinics and outreach programs, especially in underserved and remote areas, to improve access to immunization services.
- Provide transportation support for families in hard-to-reach areas to ensure they can access vaccination clinics.
- Conduct community outreach and education campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of immunization and dispel vaccine-related myths and misinformation.
- Engage community leaders, religious institutions, and local influencers to promote vaccination within communities.
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