1.1 Introduction
Immunization is the process by which individuals are made immune or resistant to an infectious disease, typically by the administration of a vaccine that stimulates the body’s immune system to recognize and fight pathogens such as bacteria and viruses (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). It is widely recognized as one of the most cost-effective and successful public health interventions in history, responsible for the prevention of millions of deaths each year globally (United Nations Children’s Fund [UNICEF], 2021). In Nigeria, immunization services are provided primarily through primary health care (PHC) centers, which are designed to reach the grassroots population. Despite the government’s efforts and the implementation of the National Programme on Immunization (NPI), immunization coverage in several regions remains suboptimal (Ogunyemi et al., 2020).
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
Immunization has long been recognized as one of the most effective public health strategies for preventing infectious diseases and reducing mortality, particularly among women and neonates. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2022), immunization prevents approximately 3.5 to 5 million deaths every year from diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, influenza, and measles. It not only protects individuals but also contributes to herd immunity, which helps to limit the spread of contagious diseases within communities. UNICEF (2021) reported that despite the global progress in immunization programs, vaccine-preventable diseases still account for a significant proportion of child and maternal deaths in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
Adeyemi and Bello (2021) asserted that Nigeria, as one of the countries with high infant and maternal mortality rates, has continued to face challenges in achieving full immunization coverage due to low awareness, cultural barriers, and poor accessibility to healthcare facilities. Immunization awareness refers to the level of understanding, perception, and responsiveness of individuals, especially mothers, toward vaccination and its benefits. Adebayo and Okonkwo (2023) stated that maternal awareness is a critical determinant of neonatal health outcomes, as mothers play a central role in ensuring that infants receive their complete doses of vaccines according to national schedules. Unfortunately, inadequate education and misinformation about vaccine safety and necessity often result in incomplete immunization coverage among children and pregnant women.
Ogunyemi et al. (2020) affirmed that socio-economic factors such as poverty, illiteracy, and transportation difficulties further exacerbate the low uptake of immunization services in many Nigerian communities. Women in rural and peri-urban areas often lack access to timely and accurate information about the benefits of vaccination. On the other hand, some women who have access to immunization services still exhibit hesitancy due to cultural and religious misconceptions. Eze and Nwankwo (2019) contended that misinformation especially spread through social networks and media has been a major barrier to vaccine acceptance, with myths about side effects and fertility concerns discouraging mothers from vaccinating their children.
The importance of immunization awareness cannot be overstated, as awareness leads to informed decision-making, improved compliance with vaccination schedules, and ultimately, a reduction in preventable diseases among neonates. Adamu and Ibrahim (2022) reported that effective communication between healthcare providers and mothers enhances immunization coverage and trust in health systems. However, poor communication and inadequate community engagement strategies have contributed to the persistent gap between immunization availability and utilization. The situation is more critical in primary healthcare centers, where healthcare workers often struggle with inadequate resources, understaffing, and limited outreach programs.
In Lagos State, particularly in Ikorodu, maternal and child health remains a pressing public health concern despite the availability of immunization programs at the Primary Health Care level. Many mothers still fail to complete the full immunization schedule for their children, while some pregnant women are unaware of the importance of tetanus toxoid and other vaccines during pregnancy. Adeyemi and Bello (2021) asserted that the problem is not only about vaccine supply but also about the level of awareness and perception of the importance of immunization among women of reproductive age. This calls for increased efforts in public enlightenment, health education, and community mobilization to address misconceptions and improve immunization coverage in the area. This study is set against the backdrop of examining immunization awareness and its role in preventing medical conditions in neonates and women.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that many mothers, particularly those in rural and peri-urban areas, are unaware of the importance of timely immunization during pregnancy and after childbirth (Adeyemi & Bello, 2021). Furthermore, socio-economic constraints play a major role in shaping women’s attitudes toward immunization. Low-income families may prioritize other needs over health services, especially when faced with transportation costs or loss of income due to clinic attendance (Ogunyemi et al., 2020).
Additionally, the attitude and practices of healthcare providers influence the success of immunization programs. Poor interpersonal communication, inadequate follow-up, and lack of motivation among health workers often result in ineffective health education delivery to mothers and caregivers (Adamu & Ibrahim, 2022).
The situation is further worsened by inadequate government funding and logistical challenges, which affect vaccine supply and accessibility, especially in remote areas. It is also observed that many women of childbearing age lack proper knowledge about the indirect benefits of immunization, such as the protection of future pregnancies and reduction of community transmission.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to evaluate immunization awareness and its role in preventing medical conditions in neonates and women at PHC Ikorodu.
The specific objectives of the study are as follows:
- To determine the relationship between immunization awareness and the prevention of medical conditions in neonates and women.
- To examine the influence of socio-cultural and economic factors on immunization practices among women.
- To assess the level of awareness of immunization among women attending PHC Ikorodu.
- To identify the challenges affecting immunization awareness and utilization in PHC Ikorodu.
- To suggest strategies for improving immunization awareness and vaccine compliance among women of reproductive age.
1.5 Research Questions
Based on the objectives of the study, the following research questions have been formulated:
- What is the level of awareness of immunization among women attending PHC Ikorodu?
- How does immunization awareness relate to the prevention of medical conditions in neonates and women?
- What socio-cultural and economic factors influence immunization practices among women?
- What challenges affect immunization awareness and utilization in PHC Ikorodu?
- What strategies can be adopted to improve immunization awareness and compliance among women of reproductive age?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
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 One
- H0: There is no significant relationship between immunization awareness and the prevention of medical conditions in neonates and women.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between immunization awareness and the prevention of medical conditions in neonates and women.
1.7 Significance of Study
It is believed that at the completion of the study, the findings will contribute to the formulation of better communication strategies and policy interventions aimed at improving immunization uptake at the PHC level. The study will also serve as a valuable reference for public health workers and policymakers seeking to reduce maternal and child mortality through improved awareness programs.
Additionally, the community will benefit through improved health literacy and behavioral change toward immunization, which will contribute to reduced disease incidence.
Furthermore, the government will benefit from the study as it will guide health policymakers in designing effective awareness campaigns to boost immunization coverage and reduce preventable diseases.
Lastly, this research will add to the growing body of academic literature on immunization behavior and health education in developing countries. Researchers and scholars will also find the study useful as it will serve as a foundation for further studies on maternal health awareness and preventive healthcare in Nigeria.
1.8 Scope of Study
The study will be limited to PHC Ikorodu, Lagos State, and will focus specifically on immunization awareness among women and its role in preventing medical conditions in neonates and women. It will not cover other health centers or regions in Lagos State. The research will concentrate on the local factors influencing immunization behavior, including cultural, educational, and socio-economic elements.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
Several limitations were encountered during the course of this study, which may have influenced the results and conclusions.
- Time Constraints: A study of this nature needs relatively long time during which information for accurate or at least near accurate inference could be drawn. The period of the study was short, time posed as constraints to the research.
- Financial Constraints: The research would have extended the survey to other area at the empirical level, but limitation as included cost of transportation to the source of material and the cost of time setting of the already completed work.
- 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
Immunization:
Immunization is the process by which an individual’s immune system is strengthened against a disease through the administration of vaccines (WHO, 2022). It helps prevent infections and reduces the spread of communicable diseases within a community.
Awareness:
Awareness refers to the level of knowledge, understanding, and consciousness individuals have about a specific subject in this context, the knowledge women possess regarding immunization schedules, benefits, and importance (Adebayo & Okonkwo, 2023).
Neonates:
Neonates are newborn infants within the first 28 days of life, a critical period when they are most vulnerable to infectious diseases (UNICEF, 2021).
Primary Health Care (PHC):
PHC is the first level of contact individuals, families, and communities have with the national health system, providing essential and preventive health services such as immunization, antenatal care, and health education (Adeyemi & Bello, 2021).
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