Determinants of Caregivers’ Knowledge of Childhood Vaccination in Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Caregivers’ knowledge of childhood vaccination, including vaccine schedules, doses, and disease prevention, varies widely across settings. In Calabar, there is limited evidence assessing caregivers’ knowledge of childhood vaccination.

Objectives: This study assessed knowledge of childhood vaccination and its determinants among caregivers in Calabar South Local Government Area.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among caregivers of children aged 12–23 months in Calabar South LGA using a multistage sampling technique. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. Factors associated with caregivers’ knowledge were assessed using multivariate binary logistic regression, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Ethical approval was obtained from the Cross River State Health Research Ethics Committee (CRSMOH/RP/HRE/2023/401).

Results: A total of 460 caregivers participated in the study out of which 395(85.9%) were females while 65(14.1%) were males. Overall, caregivers’ knowledge of vaccine-preventable diseases was poor. Knowledge of diseases prevented by BCG, OPV, yellow fever, and pentavalent vaccines was 28.5%, 20.9%, 14.4%, and 8.2%, respectively. Health facilities were the main source of vaccine information (29.1%), followed by radio (17.9%) and home visits (14.3%). Caregivers’ age, relationship with the child, education, and occupation were significantly associated with knowledge. Vaccine timeliness, educational level, and means of transport to health facilities were significant predictors of knowledge of childhood vaccination.

Conclusion: Caregivers’ knowledge of childhood vaccination was poor. Strengthened health education campaigns are needed to improve awareness and support for childhood vaccination.