ABSTRACT

Immunization is the process of inducing immunity artificially by administering antigenic agents or performed antibodies. It is a proven tool for controlling and eliminating life threatened diseases, conditions and it is estimated to avert about 2 - 3 million death each year. This study assessed the knowledge and Practice of Childhood immunization among mothers attending child welfare clinic in University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Ovia North East Local Government, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. This study adopted a description cross sectional design and 178 mothers who have children between 0 - 5 years of age were selected using simple random technique. Data was obtained using structured self-administered questionnaire and analyze using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS 16.0). Data were presented using frequency tables and charts. Hypothesis was tested using Chi Square. Finding of the study revealed majority of the respondents accepted and practiced childhood immunization irrespective of their level of education. There is high awareness (100%) of immunization but a lower awareness (69.1%) of immunization schedule. Most of the respondents practiced and finished immunization before five years. The sources of awareness reported include; mass media (2.2%), antenatal clinic (94%) and friends and relations (3.9%). Most of the respondents had no factor that can limit them from immunizing their children effectively (31.5%). Though minority of the respondents pointed out factors which include; negative attitude of health worker (18.5%), minor discomfort (18%), time factor (12.4%) and distance of Health Centre (8.4%). Base on the findings, intensive creation of awareness on the current immunization schedule using various medium such as media and antenatal clinic, giving awards to mothers who championed immunization of their child and provision of adequate motivation and remuneration of health staff that work in such facility to enhance service delivery were recommended.