Barriers to Routine Immunization: A Descriptive Study of Secondary and Primary Health Facilities in Bayelsa state, Nigeria

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DOI: 10.21522./TAJMHR.2016.06.01.Art010

Authors : Joshua Iyeneomi, Onyekwere Iwundu Anthony, Muhammad Abdulrahman

Abstract:

Immunization has remained a cost effective and critical public health intervention aimed at reducing child morbidity and mortality, yet it has continued to face logistics and systemic barriers that undermines its efforts in Nigeria and Bayelsa state in particular. This study assessed the systemic challenges associated with routine immunization uptake in Bayelsa State. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, involving 354 caregivers of children under five and 50 health workers across selected facilities. Structured questionnaires, facility checklists, and interviews was used in collecting data. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 with descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression. Qualitative responses were thematically analyzed. Findings revealed that. systemic challenges included vaccine stockouts (54%), cold chain failures (36%), and poor service integration (58%). Logistic regression showed that stockouts (AOR = 0.42, p < 0.001), cold chain breakdown (AOR = 0.58, p = 0.030), caregiver knowledge of immunization schedules (AOR = 2.11, p = 0.005), and service integration (AOR = 1.89, p = 0.022) significantly influenced adherence. This study concludes that systemic factors outweigh caregiver-level barriers to immunization. Addressing supply chain gaps, strengthening cold chain infrastructure, and services’ integration are crucial steps toward reducing immunization barriers and improving vaccination coverage in Nigeria.

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