Immunisation Knowledge, Attitude and Practice by Nursing Mothers in Ilorin East Local Government Area, Nigeria

Abstract

Heath is significantly related to development. Therefore, the prevalence of vaccine-preventable diseases such as polio, diphtheria, tuberculosis, measles, among others, in the country can result in poor health of the community members and transforms development to a mirage. This study examined immunisation knowledge, attitude and practice by nursing mothers in Ilorin East through three key objectives; to determine the level of immunisation awareness among nursing mothers; to examine the attitudes of nursing mothers towards immunization practice; and to establish the relationship between immunisation knowledge, attitude and practice and development. The study adopted a quantitative research design to collect primary data from nursing mothers in the study area. The findings of the study are subjected to the assumption of the Health Belief Model. The study established that the majority of the respondents had adequate knowledge on immunisation and the healthcare personnel played a key role in the increased awareness. Findings also revealed that vaccines had side effects and made mothers feel bad when their children were vaccinated, even though, it was believed that vaccines were potent in the prevention of diseases in children. Findings revealed that the awareness of mothers of the import of vaccines was not significant to prevent them from missing scheduled immunisation appointments. Despite the side effects, findings affirmed that nursing mothers had positive attitudes towards immunisation services due to their benefits. The study concludes that adequate use of immunisation services influences development through decreased and eradication of mortality rates for the multiplication of productive forces. The study recommends more awareness strategies and regular vaccination of children.