ABSTRACT
This
study titled “Assessment of Non-Compliance of Polio Vaccine Among People
Residing in Gwaram Local Government Area, Jigawa State” was conducted to
evaluate the factors influencing the refusal or non-adherence to polio
immunization among residents of the area. Despite significant efforts by both
government and international health agencies to eradicate poliomyelitis in
Nigeria, isolated cases of vaccine non-compliance continue to hinder the
success of the program. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was
adopted. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to
150 respondents selected through simple random sampling across different wards
in Gwaram Local Government. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics
such as frequency tables and percentages. Findings revealed that a substantial proportion
of respondents were aware of the importance of the polio vaccine; however,
religious misconceptions, fear of side effects, inadequate awareness, and
distrust of health workers were identified as major reasons for non-compliance.
The study also found that the level of education and access to health
information significantly influenced vaccination behavior among residents. The
study concludes that continuous public health education, community engagement,
and effective communication between health workers and community leaders are
essential for improving vaccine compliance. It is recommended that the
government and health organizations intensify sensitization campaigns,
particularly targeting rural communities and traditional opinion leaders.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Content Pages
Title Page - - - - - - - - - - -i
Certification / Approval Page - - - - - - - -ii
Declaration Page - - - - - - - - - -iii
Dedication - - - - - - - - - - -iv
Acknowledgement - - - - - - - - - -v
Abstract - - - - - - - - - -vi
Table of Contents - - - - - - - - -vii
List of Tables - - - - - - - - - -viii
List of Figures - - - - - - - - - -ix
List of Abbreviations - - - - - - - - - -x
CHAPTER ONE: Introduction - - - - - - -1
1.1 Background of the Study - - - - - - - -1
1.2 Statement of the Problem - - - - - - - -3
1.3 Objectives of the Study - - - - - - - -4
1.4 Research Questions - - - - - - - - -5
1.5 Significance of the Study - - - - - - - -6
1.6 Scope of the Study - - - - - - - - -7
1.7 Limitations of the Study - - - - - - - -8
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms - - - - - - -9
CHAPTER TWO: Literature Review - - - - - -10
2.1 Conceptual Review - - - - - - - - -10
2.2 Theoretical Review - - - - - - - - -15
2.3 Empirical Review - - - - - - - - -20
CHAPTER THREE: Research Methodology - - - - - -25
3.1 Research Design - - - - - - - - -25
3.2 Study Area - - - - - - - - - -26
3.3 Population of the Study - - - - - - - - -27
3.4 Sample Size and Sampling Technique - - - - - - -28
3.5 Instrument for Data Collection - - - - - - - -29
3.6 Method of Data Collection - - - - - - - -30
3.7 Method of Data Analysis - - - - - - - - -31
CHAPTER FOUR: Data Presentation, Analysis and
Discussion - - - -32
4.1 Data Presentation - - - - - - - - -32
4.2 Analysis of Findings - - - - - - - - -35
4.3 Discussion of Findings - - - - - - - - -38
CHAPTER FIVE: Summary, Conclusion and
Recommendations - - -41
5.1 Summary - - - - - - - - - -41
5.2 Conclusion - - - - - - - - - -43
5.3 Recommendations - - - - - - - - -44
References - - - - - - - - - -46
Appendix - - - - - - - - - -48
LIST
OF TABLES
Table No. Title
Pages
Table 1
Demographic Characteristics of Respondents - - - - -32
Table 2 Awareness Level of Respondents on Polio
Vaccine - - - -33
Table 3 Major Factors Influencing Non-Compliance
to Polio Vaccination - -34
Table 4 Relationship Between Educational Level and
Vaccine Compliance - -35
Table 5 Respondents’ Suggestions for Improving
Compliance - - -36
LIST
OF FIGURES
Figure
No. Title
Page
Figure 1 Map of Gwaram Local Government Area Showing
Study Locations - -26
Figure 2 Distribution of Respondents by Gender - - - - - -32
Figure 3 Awareness and Perception of Polio
Vaccine. - - - - -33
LIST
OF ABBREVIATIONS
Abbreviation Meaning
CDC - Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention
EPI - Expanded
Programme on Immunization
LGA - Local
Government Area
NPHCDA - National Primary Health Care
Development Agency
OPV - Oral
Polio Vaccine
WHO - World
Health Organization
UNICEF - United Nations International
Children’s Emergency Fund
SPSS - Statistical
Package for Social Sciences
CHAPTER
ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Poliomyelitis, commonly known as polio, is an
infectious viral disease that primarily affects young children and can lead to
permanent paralysis or even death in severe cases. The global campaign to
eradicate polio has been one of the most ambitious and successful public health
initiatives ever undertaken. In Nigeria, the Expanded Programme on Immunization
(EPI) and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), in
collaboration with international partners such as the World Health Organization
(WHO) and UNICEF, have worked tirelessly to eliminate the disease through mass
vaccination campaigns.
Despite these efforts, certain communities still
exhibit resistance or non-compliance to polio immunization programs. Gwaram
Local Government Area in Jigawa State, located in the northwestern region of
Nigeria, has recorded instances of low immunization coverage and vaccine
refusal. Factors such as religious misconceptions, misinformation, poor health
education, cultural beliefs, and lack of trust in health workers have
contributed to this persistent problem.
Understanding the root causes of non-compliance is
essential in achieving the goal of total eradication of polio. Therefore, this
study seeks to assess the factors responsible for non-compliance with polio
vaccination among people residing in Gwaram Local Government Area of Jigawa
State.
Nigeria, once considered one of the most challenging
countries for polio eradication due to insecurity, cultural resistance, and
vaccine refusal, has made remarkable progress over the last two decades.
Through the combined efforts of the National Primary Health Care Development
Agency (NPHCDA), the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), and global
partners, Nigeria was declared free of wild poliovirus in August 2020 by the
WHO after three consecutive years without any reported case of wild poliovirus
transmission (NPHCDA, 2021). This achievement was a major milestone in global
health and a testament to the dedication of local and international health
workers, volunteers, and community leaders.
Despite this success, Nigeria continues to face
challenges related to non-compliance during polio vaccination campaigns. In
certain regions, particularly in the northern part of the country, a section of
the population continues to resist vaccination due to religious misconceptions,
cultural beliefs, misinformation, and mistrust of health authorities. Gwaram
Local Government Area of Jigawa State is one such area where low levels of
compliance have been reported during immunization exercises. Located in the
northwestern region of Nigeria, Gwaram LGA is largely rural, with a population
that depends heavily on traditional authority systems and religious leadership.
These sociocultural structures, while crucial for community cohesion, often
influence people’s perceptions and acceptance of health interventions,
including vaccination (Adebayo, Akinyemi, et al, 2019).
Several studies have identified the main factors
contributing to vaccine non-compliance in northern Nigeria. These include low
awareness of the benefits of immunization, deeply rooted cultural and religious
beliefs, fear of side effects, misinformation about vaccine safety, and limited
access to healthcare facilities. Some community members believe that the polio
vaccine causes infertility or is a foreign agenda targeted at reducing the
Muslim population. Others associate vaccination campaigns with Western
influence or political manipulation. These myths and misconceptions have been
propagated over time through word-of-mouth and social media, leading to
significant vaccine hesitancy (Ene & Abdullahi, 2020).
Moreover, the issue of non-compliance is compounded
by logistical and operational challenges in rural areas. In some cases, poor
road networks, insufficient cold chain infrastructure, inadequate health
personnel, and lack of timely information dissemination have undermined
effective vaccine delivery. Health workers have also reported experiences of
harassment and hostility during door-to-door immunization exercises, as some families
refuse to allow them to vaccinate their children. These incidents create
discouragement among frontline workers and delay immunization progress
(Oladele, 2022).
In Gwaram Local Government Area, the problem of
non-compliance has raised serious public health concerns. Despite repeated
immunization campaigns and awareness programs organized by health authorities,
a notable segment of the population continues to resist vaccination. The
consequence of this behavior is not only the risk of poliovirus resurgence but
also a potential threat to Nigeria’s polio-free status. Persistent pockets of
unvaccinated children serve as reservoirs for the virus, making complete
eradication impossible until every child is immunized (WHO, 2022).
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Over the past decades, Nigeria has made remarkable
progress in reducing polio cases through consistent immunization campaigns.
However, occasional cases of non-compliance continue to threaten the nation’s
polio-free certification. Reports from health authorities indicate that some
households refuse to allow vaccination teams to immunize their children during
the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs).
In Gwaram Local Government, this trend has been
linked to misinformation about the safety of vaccines, religious and cultural
beliefs, poor awareness of immunization benefits, and inadequate communication
between health workers and community members. Such resistance hampers the
efforts of the government and health organizations in eradicating polio completely.
If this problem persists, there is a risk of
reintroduction and spread of poliovirus, which would not only endanger children
in Gwaram but also undermine national health achievements. This calls for an
in-depth assessment of the factors contributing to non-compliance within the
area.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
1.3.1 General Objective
To assess the factors responsible for non-compliance
with the polio vaccine among residents of Gwaram Local Government Area, Jigawa
State.
1.3.2 Specific Objectives
- To determine the
level of awareness of polio vaccination among residents of Gwaram Local
Government.
- To identify the
major factors contributing to non-compliance with the polio vaccine.
- To examine the
relationship between socio-demographic factors (such as education,
religion, and occupation) and compliance with the polio vaccine.
- To suggest
practical strategies for improving compliance with polio vaccination in
Gwaram Local Government.
1.4 Research Questions
- What is the level
of awareness of polio vaccination among the residents of Gwaram Local
Government?
- What factors
contribute to non-compliance with the polio vaccine in the study area?
- How do
socio-demographic characteristics influence vaccine compliance?
- What measures can
be adopted to enhance compliance with polio vaccination programs?
1.5 Significance of the Study
The study is significant in several ways. It
provides valuable insight into the causes of vaccine refusal and helps health
authorities design effective strategies to promote vaccine acceptance. The
findings will also benefit the Jigawa State Ministry of Health, the National
Primary Health Care Development Agency, and other organizations involved in
immunization campaigns.
Furthermore, this study will contribute to existing
literature and serve as a reference material for future researchers, students,
and policymakers interested in public health and disease prevention. Most
importantly, it will help improve community participation and strengthen health
education and communication efforts aimed at eradicating polio completely.
1.6 Scope of the Study
This study is limited to assessing the
non-compliance of polio vaccination among people residing in Gwaram Local
Government Area of Jigawa State. It focuses on determining awareness levels,
identifying the factors influencing non-compliance, and suggesting measures to
improve compliance. The study targets residents across different wards within
Gwaram, including parents, caregivers, and community leaders.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
Like most field-based research, this study
encountered some challenges, including limited financial resources, difficulty
in reaching some rural settlements, and reluctance of some respondents to
participate due to mistrust or fatigue from repeated surveys. Despite these
limitations, every effort was made to ensure the validity and reliability of
the findings.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
Polio Vaccine: A biological
preparation used to provide immunity against poliomyelitis.
Non-Compliance: The refusal or
failure to follow recommended vaccination schedules or allow immunization.
Immunization: The process by which
an individual is made immune or resistant to an infectious disease through
vaccination.
Community Health: A field of
public health concerned with the health and well-being of people living within
a defined area.
Awareness: The level of knowledge
or understanding a person has about a particular subject or issue.
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