title: Identifying barriers and sustainable solution to childhood immunization in Khana local government area of Rivers State, Nigeria.
abstract: The aim of this study was to uncover barriers to childhood immunization in order to make recommendations that will address the problem in Rivers State and Nigeria. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in September 2008, among mothers and caregivers of children aged 0-5 years, to examine the various barriers to childhood immunization in the Khana Local Government Area of the State. Data was analyzed using Epi Info version 6.4d software. A total of 1560 mothers and caregivers were interviewed. Their knowledge about immunization was low. Only 15.2% was able to define immunization and mention six vaccine preventable diseases. Most children (46.8%) did not complete their immunization schedule because of frequent shortage of vaccines in the health facilities. Long-term and advance commitment by the government to vaccine manufacturers to purchase vaccines and engaging communities in dialogue over benefits of immunization is advocated to improve immunization in the State.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. tobin3000@yahoo.com
authors.forename: C I
authors.initials: CI
authors.lastname: Tobin-West
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Alex-Hart
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D009549:Nigeria; D013997:Time Factors; D014612:Vaccines / Q000600:supply & distribution; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014612:Vaccines