ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrhoeal disease in children under five years old worldwide, particularly impacting developing nations like Nigeria. Despite the availability of the rotavirus vaccines, significant challenges in uptake remain due to limited awareness, inaccessibility and socioeconomic factors. Rotavirus related mortality, which accounts for a high percentage of global diarrhoeal deaths, has been notably severe in regions with low vaccine coverage. Studies indicate that early vaccine introduction can drastically reduce hospitalizations and deaths due to rotavirus, highlighting the need for increased vaccination efforts to mitigate this preventable disease burden in under resourced settings. AIM: To assess the knowledge, attitude, acceptance and uptake of rotavirus vaccine as well as their associated factors among mothers in Benin City. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 mothers in Benin City selected by multistage sampling technique. Data collection involved structured questionnaires via google form that assessed their knowledge, attitude, acceptance and uptake of rotavirus vaccine and associated factors. Data analysis was by IBM SPSS 25.0. Univariate analysis was used for socio-demographic variables, while bivariate analysis applied Chi-squared or Fisher’s exact tests for associations. Logistic regression was done to identify predictors of knowledge, attitude and uptake of rotavirus vaccine. Level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: This study found that while a majority of mothers 379 (76.3%) had good knowledge of diarrhoeal infections, with healthcare facilities being the primary source of information 327 (65.8%), a good number 157 (67.7%) were aware of the rotavirus vaccine. Among those aware, significant gaps remained in understanding the vaccine’s dosing 116 (50%) and administration 55 (23.7%). A positive attitude toward vaccination was observed in 431 (86.7%) of respondents, largely due to trust in healthcare providers and the perceived benefits of vaccination. However, actual vaccine uptake was moderate, with only about half 258 (51.6%) demonstrating adherence. Uptake was notably higher among married mothers 238 (53.7), those with monthly incomes above ₦30,000, 239 (55.7%) and older age groups. Barriers to vaccine access, such as distance to vaccination centres and availability, affected 16 (76.2%). Vaccine uptake was higher among mothers aged 25-34 years 174 (56.5%) compared to those <25 years 22 (38.6%), p = 0.014. Married mothers 238 (53.7%) had higher vaccine uptake compared to single mothers 16 (32.0%), p < 0.001. Mothers earning > 30,000 239 (55.7%) compared to those earning less 19 (26.8%) had higher uptake, p < 0.001. Mothers with children aged 12-23 months 94 (78.3%) had higher vaccine uptake compared to those with children aged 0-11 months 127 (45.8%), p < 0.001 and mothers with male index children 139 (57.4%) compared to those with females 119 (46.1%) had higher uptake of the vaccine. CONCLUSION: Most mothers had good knowledge of diarrhoeal infections and a positive attitude toward the rotavirus vaccine, though only half showed good vaccine uptake. Higher skill levels, income and education were associated with better knowledge, while healthcare worker influence and access issues impacted uptake. Addressing gaps in awareness and access could improve vaccination rates and child health outcome. KEYWORDS: Rotavirus vaccine; Diarrhoeal infections; Under five; Vaccine uptake; Vaccine acceptance; Maternal knowledge: Healthcare access; Health workers’ influence.
