Mothers’ preference for routine immunization appointment reminders in Gombe, Gombe State, Nigeria

Authors

  • Aliu Rasaki Department of Paediatrics, Gombe State University and Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe State, Nigeria
  • Ibrahim Olayinka Rasheed Department of Paediatrics, Federal Medical Centre Katsina, Katsina State, Nigeria
  • Mohammed Amina Department of Community Medicine, Gombe State University and Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe State, Nigeria
  • Girbo Ahmad Adamu Department of Paediatrics, Gombe State University and Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe State, Nigeria
  • Hassan Kamiliudeen Shina Department of Paediatrics, Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe
  • Ibraheem Mobolaji Rasheedah Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Ilorin and University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20220447

Keywords:

Immunization appointment, Mobile phone, Willingness for reminder

Abstract

Background: Globally, under-5 children account for three-quarter of the two million annual deaths caused by vaccine preventable diseases (VPD). The VPD is comparatively higher in developing countries, and in particular, Nigeria where 1 in 5 childhood deaths is VPD-related. This higher mortality has been attributed to inequitable uptake of immunization variably caused by low education, confusion and forgetfulness among others. The millennium mobile phone proliferation has made it a useful reminder tool. We therefore explore access to mobile phone, willingness and predictors of willingness to receive reminder by mothers. 

Methods: Semi-structured questionnaire was deployed in this cross-sectional study to obtain relevant information from 384 mother-child pairs at the immunization clinic (cluster) over 9 months.

Results: A total of 372 (96.9%) and 379 (98.7%) mothers had access to personal and husbands’ phone respectively while 339 (88.3%) mothers showed willingness for a reminder. The factors significantly associated with willingness for immunization reminder were mother’s tertiary education (p=0.008), mother’s unemployment (p=0.011), father’s occupation as senior public servant (p=0.001) and mother’s access to personal phone (p=0.015). Adjusting for confounders, the factors predictive of willingness for immunization reminder were access to personal phone (aOR 11.1, 95% CI 3.160-390.08) and mother’s tertiary education (aOR 2.9, 95% CI 1.822-5, 302).

Conclusions: Access to personal phone and improved education are significant tools in enhancing immunization coverage.

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Author Biography

Mohammed Amina, Department of Community Medicine, Gombe State University and Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe State, Nigeria

Department of community medicine

Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe

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Published

2022-02-23

How to Cite

Rasaki, A., Rasheed, I. O., Amina, M., Adamu, G. A., Shina, H. K., & Rasheedah, I. M. (2022). Mothers’ preference for routine immunization appointment reminders in Gombe, Gombe State, Nigeria. International Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics, 9(3), 224–229. https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20220447

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Section

Original Research Articles