International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Parental Attitudes Towards Child Immunization in Dass Local Government Area, Bauchi State, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract Background: Despite the availability of free routine immunization services in Nigeria, childhood vaccination coverage in Dass Local Government Area (LGA), Bauchi State, among the areas fighting low childhood immunization uptake for pentavalent vaccine completion far below the WHO recommended threshold of 90%. Understanding parental attitudes and structural barriers is essential for designing effective public health interventions. Objective: This study evaluated parental attitudes towards child immunization, assessed perceived benefits, and identified structural and sociocultural barriers to immunization compliance in Dass LGA, Bauchi State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 394 parents (response rate: 98.7%) of children aged 6 months to 5 years, recruited via simple random sampling from healthcare facilities in Dass metropolis. Data was analyzed using frequency distributions, percentages, and chi-square tests. Results: Most parents expressed positive attitudes: 71.4% affirmed vaccine benefit, 70.3% would recommend immunization to peers, and 73.1% disagreed that vaccines are harmful. Perceived benefits were widely acknowledged, 83.0% endorsed reduced hospital attendance and 73.6% recognized disease-prevention value. However, major barriers persisted: 73.1% cited inadequate health facilities, 74.3% identified information deficits, 80.2% reported high parental illiteracy, and 81.7% endorsed lack of cultural sensitivity in vaccine delivery. Negative attitudes were significantly associated with primary-level education or below (chi-square [chi2] = 18.74, p < 0.001), rural residence (chi2 = 14.31, p = 0.001), and Muslim affiliation (chi2 = 9.82, p = 0.007). Conclusion: Positive parental dispositions in Dass LGA are systematically undermined by structural, informational, and sociocultural barriers. Targeted community engagement, health literacy campaigns, culturally adapted service delivery, and PHC infrastructure investment are urgently required to bridge the attitude-behavior gap and improve immunization coverage.