KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES REGARDING IMMUNIZATION OF UNDER-FIVE CHILDREN AMONG MOTHERS ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINIC IN UGBOR PRIMARY HEALTHCARE, BENIN CITY

Abstract

Immunization remains a cost-effective intervention for reducing under-five mortality, but gaps in maternal knowledge, attitudes, and practices affect vaccination coverage in Nigeria. This study assessed knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding under-five immunization among mothers attending antenatal clinic at Ugbor Primary Healthcare Center, Benin City. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 120 mothers using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression (p < 0.05). Results showed that 80 mothers (66.7%) had high knowledge of under-five immunization, while 40 (33.3%) had moderate knowledge. Regarding vaccines during pregnancy, 99 mothers (82.5%) had high knowledge. Mothers demonstrated positive attitudes, disagreeing with delaying vaccination (mean = 1.72) and rejecting that missing doses is harmless (mean = 1.85). Regarding practices, 119 mothers (99.2%) knew the first vaccine dose alone is insufficient; 112 (93.3%) knew immunization should not be postponed until walking; and 111 (92.5%) agreed healthy children still need vaccines. Factors influencing willingness included early pregnancy information (mean = 2.94) and health workers' communication (mean = 3.01). Regression analysis revealed that knowledge (p = 1.000), attitude (p = 0.339), and practices (p = 0.101) did not significantly influence antenatal attendance for immunization. Although mothers demonstrated high knowledge (66.7%) and positive attitudes, these factors did not significantly predict immunization-related antenatal attendance. Health system factors beyond individual knowledge and attitudes may play a more critical role. Keywords: Knowledge, attitude, practices, immunization, under-five children.