1.1 Introduction
Poliomyelitis, commonly referred to as polio, is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects children under the age of five and can lead to irreversible paralysis or even death in severe cases. The disease is caused by the poliovirus, which is transmitted mainly through the fecal-oral route, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023). Although there is no cure for polio, it is preventable through the administration of safe and effective vaccines, making immunization the most reliable strategy for controlling and ultimately eradicating the disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022).
Immunization is defined as the process by which an individual becomes protected against a disease through the administration of a vaccine that stimulates the body's immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens (Andre et al., 2008). Polio immunization, in particular, involves the use of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) and the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV), both of which have significantly contributed to the dramatic decline in global polio cases over the past decades (Global Polio Eradication Initiative [GPEI], 2023).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are significance of the study, scope of work, research hypothesis and questions, limitation of the study and definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Poliomyelitis, commonly known as polio, is a highly contagious viral disease that has posed significant public health challenges worldwide, particularly in developing countries. The disease primarily affects children under the age of five and is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, often thriving in areas with inadequate sanitation and limited access to clean water. According to World Health Organization (WHO, 2023), poliomyelitis is capable of causing irreversible paralysis within hours, and although there is no cure, it is entirely preventable through effective immunization. The introduction of polio vaccines has led to a dramatic reduction in global incidence, making immunization a cornerstone of public health strategies aimed at disease eradication.
Efforts to eradicate polio intensified with the establishment of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988, a collaborative effort involving national governments and international partners. According to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI, 2023), global polio cases have decreased by over 99% since the initiative's inception, demonstrating the effectiveness of widespread vaccination campaigns. Andre et al. (2008) asserted that vaccination remains one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions, significantly reducing childhood morbidity and mortality associated with vaccine-preventable diseases.
Nigeria has historically been one of the countries most affected by poliomyelitis, particularly in its northern regions where socio-cultural and religious factors have influenced vaccine acceptance. Yahya (2007) reported that resistance to polio immunization in Northern Nigeria was largely driven by misinformation, distrust of government initiatives, and fears regarding vaccine safety and fertility. These concerns led to the temporary suspension of immunization campaigns in some states in the early 2000s, resulting in a resurgence of the disease and its spread to previously polio-free regions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2020), Nigeria was declared free of wild poliovirus in August 2020 after years of sustained immunization efforts. However, the emergence of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) continues to pose a threat, necessitating ongoing vigilance and community engagement.
Socio-demographic characteristics such as education, income level, and access to healthcare services also influence parental attitudes toward immunization. Odusanya et al. (2008) affirmed that higher levels of parental education are positively associated with increased immunization coverage, as educated parents are more likely to understand the benefits of vaccination and adhere to recommended schedules. Similarly, Brown et al. (2017) reported that socio-economic status and accessibility to health facilities significantly affect vaccine uptake in many low- and middle-income countries. According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF, 2022), community engagement and effective communication strategies are essential for addressing misconceptions and building trust in immunization programs.
This study is set against the backdrop of the need to explore and understand the attitudes of parents toward polio immunization in Argungu Metropolis, Kebbi State, with the aim of providing empirical evidence that will inform public health policies and community-based strategies.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the Global Polio Eradication Initiative has made substantial progress in reducing the incidence of the disease; however, complete eradication continues to be hindered by persistent challenges related to parental attitudes and perceptions toward immunization (World Health Organization, 2023). In Nigeria, particularly in northern regions such as Kebbi State, resistance to polio immunization is still evident, influenced by cultural beliefs, religious misconceptions, misinformation, and distrust of government and health interventions (UNICEF, 2022).
Additionally, there is low levels of education and inadequate awareness about the benefits of immunization have further exacerbated vaccine hesitancy among parents in many rural and semi-urban communities (Yahya, 2007). In Argungu Metropolis of Kebbi State, anecdotal evidence and reports from health workers suggest that some parents remain skeptical about the safety and necessity of polio vaccines, leading to partial or complete non-compliance with routine and supplementary immunization activities (National Primary Health Care Development Agency [NPHCDA], 2021).
Furthermore, some parents demonstrate positive attitudes toward immunization, recognizing its importance in preventing childhood diseases; however, inconsistencies in participation indicate that underlying concerns and contextual factors still need to be addressed. It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to examine the attitude of parents towards polio immunization in Argungu Metropolis, Kebbi State.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to assess the attitude of parents toward polio immunization in Argungu Metropolis, Kebbi State.
The specific objectives of this study include:
- To assess the level of knowledge of parents about polio and its immunization.
- To examine the attitudes of parents toward polio immunization.
- To identify socio-cultural and religious factors influencing parental attitudes toward polio immunization.
- To determine the relationship between parents' educational level and their acceptance of polio immunization.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of existing immunization awareness programs in Argungu Metropolis.
1.5 Research Questions
Based on the stated objectives, the study will address the following research questions:
- What is the level of knowledge of parents about polio and its immunization in Argungu Metropolis?
- What attitudes do parents exhibit toward polio immunization?
- How do socio-cultural and religious factors influence parental attitudes toward polio immunization?
- What relationship exists between parents' educational level and their acceptance of polio immunization?
- How effective are the existing immunization awareness programs in Argungu Metropolis?
1.6 Research Hypotheses
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis 1
- H0: There is no significant relationship between parents' level of knowledge and their attitude toward polio immunization in Argungu Metropolis.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between parents' level of knowledge and their attitude toward polio immunization in Argungu Metropolis.
Hypothesis 2
- H0: Socio-cultural and religious factors have no significant influence on parental attitudes toward polio immunization in Argungu Metropolis.
- H1: Socio-cultural and religious factors significantly influence parental attitudes toward polio immunization in Argungu Metropolis.
Hypothesis 3
- H0: There is no significant relationship between parents' educational level and their acceptance of polio immunization.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between parents' educational level and their acceptance of polio immunization.
Hypothesis 4
- H0: Existing immunization awareness programs are not significantly effective in improving parental acceptance of polio immunization in Argungu Metropolis.
- H1: Existing immunization awareness programs are significantly effective in improving parental acceptance of polio immunization in Argungu Metropolis.
1.7 Significance of Study
It is believed that at the completion of the study, the findings will benefit the Kebbi State Ministry of Health by providing data necessary for planning targeted immunization interventions. Also, the study will assist the National Primary Health Care Development Agency in strengthening policy formulation and program implementation.
Furthermore, the research will support healthcare workers by offering insights that will enhance community mobilization and health education. In addition, the study will benefit parents and community leaders by increasing awareness of the importance of immunization and encouraging informed decision-making.
Lastly, the study will serve as a valuable resource for researchers and academic institutions by providing empirical data for further investigations.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on parents residing in Argungu Metropolis, Kebbi State, Nigeria, and examines their attitudes toward polio immunization within the framework of services provided by the Kebbi State Ministry of Health and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Attitude:
Attitude refers to a learned predisposition to respond positively or negatively toward a particular object, person, or situation. In this study, it relates to parents' perceptions and reactions toward polio immunization (Ajzen, 1991).
Parents:
Parents are biological or legal guardians responsible for the care and upbringing of children, including making healthcare decisions such as immunization (UNICEF, 2022).
Poliomyelitis (Polio):
Poliomyelitis is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects young children and may lead to paralysis or death if not prevented through vaccination (World Health Organization, 2023).
Immunization:
Immunization is the process by which individuals are protected against infectious diseases through the administration of vaccines that stimulate the body's immune system (Andre et al., 2008).
Polio Immunization:
Polio immunization refers to the administration of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) and Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) to children to prevent poliovirus infection and transmission (GPEI, 2023).
Vaccine Hesitancy:
Vaccine hesitancy is defined as the delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite the availability of vaccination services (Larson et al., 2014).
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