Childhood Immunization Uptake and Perceived Barriers among Childbearing Mothers in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria

The general purpose of the study was to investigate the issues relating to childhood immunization uptake for children 0-2 years among childbearing mothers in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, Enugu State. Specifically, it determined: level of childhood immunization uptake; and perceived barriers to uptake. It tested one null hypothesis at 0.5 level of significance. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Population comprised of 1,926 childbearing mothers (CBMs) in Igbo-Eze North LGA who registered their children for immunization from September 2023 to February 2024 and 158 healthcare workers (HCWs). Questionnaire was used for data collection. Frequency count, percentage and univariable/multivariable analysis were used for= data analysis. Results indicated that childhood immunization uptake for children 0-2 years was low (fully immunized 41.0%). Further findings are eight common barriers to childhood immunization. These include distance, means of transportation and bad roads (72.4%, 80.0%) and lack of reminder (71.8%, 81.1%) respectively among CBMs and HCWs. Education and occupation (p< .05) were significantly associated with barriers to childhood immunization among CBMs. Sensitization campaigns by HCWs using local means of communication is necessary to increase childhood immunization uptake and to reduce barriers to childhood immunization uptake