Socio-demographic Determinants of Routine Immunization Uptake Among Children Aged 24-59 Months in Kwara State, North-Central Nigeria: A Mother/Caregiver-based Study

Abstract

Immunization is a core public health tool for controlling vaccine-preventable diseases through pathogen exposure by vaccination, allowing individuals to develop immunity via antibody production. Despite widespread availability, vaccination coverage in Nigeria remains suboptimal. This study specifically focuses on children aged 24-59 months in Kwara State, North-Central Nigeria, a demographic often overlooked compared to infants, to determine how mothers/caregivers? socio-demographic characteristics influence uptake of routine immunization. Methods. Questionnaires were administered to 400 mothers/caregivers of children aged 24-59 months across 12 communities (Idofian, Amoyo, Oremeji, Isale Ore, Amule, Idi Ape, Okelele, Alagbado, Tepatan, Elekoyangan, Oju Oja, Idikko) using multistage sampling. Data were analysed via chi-square. Significance was set at p<0.05. Results. Overall immunization uptake varied significantly based on maternal and caregivers? socio-demographics. Complete or near-complete immunization utilization was significantly higher among Nupe mothers/caregivers, single/divorced mothers/caregivers, and those in the 19-29, 50-59 and 60-69 age brackets. High utilization also correlated with Christian and Islamic faiths, as well as secondary or tertiary educational attainment. Conversely, urban residents and mothers/caregivers employed as farmers or traders demonstrated lower immunization uptake rates. Conclusion. Socio-demographic factors, particularly religion, education, and occupation, strongly influence immunization uptake. A major barrier is the lack of awareness regarding the need for continued vaccination beyond infancy, driven by religious beliefs, doubts, and misinformation. Targeted health education and localized immunization campaigns are essential to improve coverage and child survival in the region.