Peer-reviewed article
Religious leaders' perspectives on childhood immunization in Bauchi State, Nigeria: A Qualitative Study.
Auwal Abubakar, Stefano M Bertozzi, Adamu Mohammed, Rabiu Alhaji Suleh, Bakunawa Garba Bello et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study examined the views of 22 religious leaders in Bauchi State, Nigeria on childhood immunization. Most leaders saw vaccination as compatible with their religious teachings and described how their support had grown through experience and education. The researchers found that religious leaders use visible example-setting, scripture-aligned messaging, and community mobilization to influence vaccination decisions. The study suggests that working with religious leaders and improving health worker relationships could help increase vaccine uptake in the community.
Key points
- Immunization coverage in Bauchi State is low: Penta3 at 58.2% and only 22.5% of children aged 12-23 months fully vaccinated
- Most religious leaders described immunization as preventive and compatible with religious teachings
- Misinformation persists, particularly narratives linking vaccines to fertility problems and population control
- Religious leaders use three main influence practices: role modelling, scripture-aligned sermons, and community mobilization through religious gatherings
- Respectful engagement by health workers and reliable service delivery strengthen community trust and vaccine uptake
Limitations
This study only included 22 religious leaders, nearly all Muslim men from one Nigerian state, so the findings may not represent diverse religious perspectives or other regions. The study did not measure whether engagement with religious leaders actually led to increased vaccination rates in the community.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Childhood immunization is highly cost-effective, yet uptake is shaped by sociocultural and religious influences. In Bauchi State, Nigeria, coverage remains low (Penta3 58.2%; fully vaccinated 22.5% among children aged 12-23 months). Religious leaders shape community norms, but their perspectives on immunization in Bauchi are not well characterized. Guided by Oman and Syme's religion/spirituality and health model, we explored religious leaders' knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, practices and recommendations regarding childhood immunization. METHODS: Between December 2022 and January 2023, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 22 religious leaders (all men; 21 Muslim, 1 Christian) purposively sampled across Bauchi State's Local Government Areas. Interviews were conducted in Hausa or English, audio recorded, translated where necessary and transcribed. Sampling continued until thematic saturation. Data were analyzed using codebook thematic analysis informed by Braun and Clarke's analytic phases and organized according to the pre-specified domains of knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, practices and recommendations. Ethical approval was obtained, and all participants provided verbal informed consent. RESULTS: Most leaders described immunization as preventive and compatible with religious teachings. Many reported that observed child health benefits reinforced support and that earlier skepticism had shifted after religious and scientific explanation and lived experience. Persistent misinformation was reported, especially fertility-related and population control narratives. Leaders described three recurring influence practices: visible role modelling, sermon-based messaging aligned with scripture, and community mobilization through religious gatherings and support during outreach activities. Respectful health worker engagement and reliable service delivery appeared to strengthen trust and community uptake. CONCLUSIONS: Religious leaders in Bauchi State may be strategic partners for improving vaccine acceptance. Programs should consider structured engagement with religious leaders, bidirectional rumor tracking and response, and support for frontline health workers. Future research should include more diverse leaders and link engagement to measurable outcomes.