title: Parental acceptance of inactivated polio vaccine in Southeast Nigeria: a qualitative cross-sectional interventional study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The introduction of inactivated polio vaccines (IPV) is imminent. In view of the Polio Eradication and Endgame Strategic Plan 2013-2018, parental acceptance of IPV will be important for achieving universal coverage. In view of the imminent introduction of IPV, it is only reasonable to assess the awareness and acceptance of IPV, so that necessary socio-anthropological measures would be put in place. This study is aimed at determining the level of awareness and acceptance of IPV by parents.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study involving 408 parents that brought their children for immunization. Structured-questionnaire was to collect data on the parent's demographic characteristics, awareness and acceptance of IPV. The independent factors that may affect parental acceptability of IPV were evaluated using linear regression analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  About 53% of the parents had no knowledge of vaccine content and 84.1% had not heard of IPV, and 40.2% were willing to accept IPV. However, with post-intervention (IPV) health education, the level of acceptance of IPV increased to 95.6% and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.0001). 35.3% expressed fear for IPV, and 61.8% cited fear for pain (61.8%). In the rating scale of 1 to 5, doctors (4.7), Nurses (4.0) and staff of the Ministry of Health (4.0) were rated high as reliable media to inform them about a new vaccine. The logistic regression revealed only educational level of mothers (p-value=0.048) was the only significant factor associated with acceptability of IPV.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The parents' knowledge on vaccine was poor, as well as IPV acceptability (pre health education). But the acceptability was improved with provision of extra information. Although most still preferred OPV, and with improvement in pain management, acceptability of IPV can be improved further. Clear policies and strategies should be immediately developed and implementation of pre-introduction awareness/sensitization on IPV should be commenced.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Child Health/Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Beckie Nnenna
authors.initials: BN
authors.lastname: Tagbo
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria. Electronic address: kakatitis@yahoo.co.uk.
authors.forename: Maduka Donatus
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Ughasoro
authors.affiliation: Paediatric Division, Providence Hospital, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Dorothy Omono
authors.initials: DO
authors.lastname: Esangbedo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D010290:Parents; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011051:Poliomyelitis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011054:Poliovirus Vaccine, Inactivated / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014611:Vaccination / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D011054:Poliovirus Vaccine, Inactivated
keywords: Acceptability; Childhood immunization; Inactivated polio vaccine; Nigeria