Knowledge and Practice of Childhood Immunization among Men with Infants in Enugu Metropolis
Chekwube Catherine Agu
Department of Nursing Science, Evangel University, Akaeze, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
C. N. Onwasigwe
Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria.
Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu
*
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
C. C. N. Vincent
Department of Nursing Science, Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Udunma Olive Chijioke
Department of Health Administration and Management, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria
Calista Ndidi Adike
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Nigeria.
Chukwum J. Okafor
Department of Pathology and Biochemistry, State University of Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Adaobi Maryann Ibekwe
Department of Nursing Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University,Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria
Lizzy Agunwah
Department of Nursing Science, Evangel University, Akaeze, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Confidence Ogechi Anyanwu
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Immunization is the process by which a person’s immune system is fortified and made resistant to an infectious disease/ agent. Immunization saves millions of lives. It is the most important means of preventing childhood morbidity and mortality. This study investigated the knowledge and practice of childhood immunization among men with infants in Enugu Metropolis.
Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study using multi stage sampling involving 81 men with infants in Ogbete Main Market Enugu. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 22 adopting descriptive statistics and chi square to test difference and relationship between variables. P-values <0.05 were taken to be level of significance.
Results: Findings indicated that median, mean ± standard deviation of the men’s age are 35, 35.8 ± 3.5 respectively. Men’s total knowledge level was significantly associated with their level of education (P<0.05) and their level of practice was significantly associated with their religion (????2 =35.7, df = 8, P=0.000).
Conclusion: This study concludes that the men studied had good knowledge and poor practices of immunization.
Keywords: Childhood, infants, immunization, men, knowledge