IMMUNIZATION COVERAGE AND BARRIERS TO UPTAKE AMONG CHILDREN ACCESSING SERVICES IN ALEYITA PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTER, ABUJA, F.C.T

Study Background and Aim: Immunization remains one of the most cost-effective public health interventions, whose impact results in reduction of childhood morbidity and mortality. Available evidence suggests variability in immunization uptake and potentially linked to factors such as mother’s awareness of its importance and accessibility to the services. This cross-sectional study aimed at determining the level of immunization coverage and identifying the barriers to immunization uptake among children accessing services at Aleyita Primary Health Care Center in Abuja. Study Design: A cross-sectional of study of mothers who had been accessing child immunization at Aleyita Primary Health Care Centre, Abuja. One hundred and fifty-six (156) intervieweradministered and pre-tested questionnaires that determined the respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of and attitude to immunization. The questionnaire also determined the prevalence of and identified barriers to vaccine uptake. Results: Out of 156 questionnaires administered, 153 were completely filled, giving a response rate of 98.1%. The study revealed a high level of knowledge with all the respondents (100%) aware of immunization and 96% aware of the immunization schedule. Majority of respondents had positive attitude to immunization; with 95.4% and 93.4% attesting to its importance and safety respectively. However, while initial immunization uptake is high (86.30%), Over one-fifth of the children (22.97%) did not complete the recommended immunization schedule. The challenges to immunization uptake included long distance to facilities, lack of transport fare, fear of side effects, forgotten appointment dates and belief in traditional remedies as remedies for diseases. Conclusion: Despite the high awareness, positive general attitudes and uptake of immunization, over one-fifth of the children (22.97%) did not complete the recommended immunization schedule. The identified barriers should be explored with a view to implementing feasible measures to improve uptake and completion of immunization schedule by these respondents. Recommendations: A targeted, multi-faceted interventions (including health education, motivations at the PHC centre), be carried out to improve immunization uptake rates in Alayita Community.