Peer-reviewed article
Determinants of Incomplete Childhood Immunisation in Abuja, Nigeria: Implications for Strengthening Routine Immunisation Services
Eric Okorie Nwaze, Lenz Nwachinemere Okoro ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study examined why some children in Abuja, Nigeria aged 12-23 months did not receive all recommended vaccines. About 22% of children were incompletely immunised. The main reasons included mothers having no formal education, young maternal age, lack of exposure to radio or television, living in rural areas, and not receiving tetanus vaccination during pregnancy. The researchers recommend improving mother's health knowledge, community outreach, and ensuring mothers attend health facilities during pregnancy and delivery.
Key points
- 21.7% of children (76 out of 350) were incompletely immunised in Abuja
- Incomplete immunisation was highest among mothers aged 20-24 years (57.4%) and mothers with no formal education (69.0%)
- Independent predictors of incomplete immunisation were: lack of maternal tetanus toxoid vaccination (12.33 times higher odds), no daily TV exposure (21.15 times higher odds), and rural residence (4.55 times higher odds)
- Maternal education, maternal age, marital status, media exposure, antenatal care attendance, and place of delivery were all significantly associated with immunisation status
- The study recommends strengthening maternal health literacy, community outreach, and continuity of maternal-child health services
Limitations
This is a cross-sectional study, so it cannot establish cause-and-effect relationships, only associations between factors and incomplete immunisation. The study was conducted only in Abuja and may not represent other urban or rural areas of Nigeria.
Abstract
Abstract Background: Incomplete childhood immunisation remains a major public health concern in Nigeria, exposing children to preventable morbidity and mortality despite sustained investments in routine immunisation. Urban settings such as Abuja, Nigeria, continue to experience gaps in full immunisation coverage. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of incomplete immunisation amongst children aged from 12 to 23 months in Abuja. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 350 caregivers selected through multistage sampling. Data were obtained using interviewer-administered questionnaires and immunisation card verification. Incomplete immunisation was defined as missing at least one recommended vaccine by 12 months of age. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess associated factors. Results: Of the 350 children, 76 (21.7%) were incompletely immunised. The highest rates occurred amongst mothers aged from 20 to 24 years (57.4%) and those with no formal education (69.0%). Significant factors included maternal education ( P < 0.001), maternal age ( P < 0.001), marital status ( P = 0.003), ethnicity ( P = 0.013), media exposure (radio and television [TV], both P < 0.001), residence ( P < 0.001), antenatal care (ANC) attendance ( P < 0.001), place of delivery ( P < 0.001) and maternal tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccination ( P < 0.001). Independent predictors were lack of TT vaccination (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 12.33), absence of daily TV exposure (aOR = 21.15) and rural residence (aOR = 4.55). Conclusion: Incomplete immunisation in Abuja is shaped by sociodemographic, economic and service-related factors, particularly low maternal education, young maternal age, limited media exposure, inadequate ANC utilisation and non-facility delivery. Strengthening maternal health literacy, improving community outreach and enhancing continuity of maternal–child health services are essential for improving full immunisation coverage.