Determinants of Childhood Immunization Defaulting Among Caregivers Attending Primary Healthcare Facilities in Rural North-West Nigeria
Background
Childhood immunization remains one of the most effective public health interventions for preventing vaccine-preventable diseases. Despite improvements in immunization coverage across Nigeria, several northern states continue to report suboptimal vaccination uptake and high rates of immunization defaulting. Factors such as vaccine hesitancy, poor healthcare access, low maternal education, cultural beliefs, insecurity, and health system constraints contribute to missed vaccination opportunities. Immunization defaulting increases the risk of disease outbreaks, childhood morbidity, and mortality. Understanding the specific factors influencing caregivers' adherence to vaccination schedules is essential for designing targeted interventions that improve vaccine completion rates. Evidence from rural communities remains limited despite their disproportionate burden of under-immunization. This study seeks to identify determinants of childhood immunization defaulting among caregivers attending primary healthcare facilities in rural North-West Nigeria and generate evidence to support context-specific immunization strategies.
Research Objectives
- Assess the prevalence of childhood immunization defaulting among caregivers attending selected primary healthcare facilities.
- Determine caregiver-related factors associated with immunization defaulting.
- Examine health system factors influencing adherence to vaccination schedules.
- Evaluate the effect of geographical accessibility on immunization completion.
- Identify predictors of immunization defaulting among caregivers.
Research Questions
- What is the prevalence of childhood immunization defaulting among caregivers in the study area?
- Which caregiver characteristics are associated with immunization defaulting?
- How do health system factors influence vaccination schedule adherence?
- What is the effect of healthcare accessibility on immunization completion?
- Which factors independently predict immunization defaulting?
Suggested Methodology
A facility-based cross-sectional analytical study will be conducted among caregivers of children aged 12–23 months attending selected primary healthcare facilities. Multistage sampling will be used to recruit participants. Data will be collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires and immunization card reviews. Descriptive statistics will summarize immunization status, while chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses will identify factors associated with immunization defaulting. Statistical significance will be set at p < 0.05.
Suggested Sample
Keywords
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