Assessment of the Knowledge and Acceptance of Routine Immunization by Nursing Mothers in Agbarho Community in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Routine immunization remains one of the most cost-effective public health interventions for reducing childhood morbidity and mortality. Despite the availability of free immunization services in Nigeria, incomplete uptake and varying degrees of acceptance persist among nursing mothers. This study assessed the knowledge and acceptance of routine immunization among mothers in Agbarho community in Ughelli North Local Government Area (LGA), Delta State in Southern Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed. The target population consisted of 120 nursing mothers of children under five years residing in Agbarho. A census sample size of the entire 120 nursing mothers was used for the study. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire designed by the researchers to elicit responses on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of routine immunization, acceptance level, factors influencing knowledge, and sources of information. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages; chi-square was used to determine associations between knowledge and acceptance. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents demonstrated high knowledge of routine immunization, recognizing its role in preventing childhood diseases. Acceptance rate was equally high, with most mothers expressing willingness to complete their children’s immunization schedules. Key factors influencing knowledge included educational status, exposure to health talks by nurses, and previous vaccination experiences. A significant relationship was observed between knowledge level and acceptance rate. Health workers emerged as the primary source of information (35.82%), followed by friends and family members. The study concluded that although knowledge and acceptance of routine immunization were generally high among mothers in Agbarho, gaps still exist in trust and advocacy for immunization. It is recommended that continuous health education be intensified, with emphasis on dispelling misconceptions, enhancing trust, and leveraging multiple information channels to sustain and improve immunization uptake.