Parental and step-parental attitudes toward childhood vaccination in Kaduna State of Nigeria: a health belief model approach

Abstract

Background: Childhood vaccination is a crucial public health intervention that prevents the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases and reduces childhood morbidity and mortality. However, vaccine hesitancy and low immunization rates remain global challenges. This study aimed to explore parents’ and step-parents’ attitudes toward childhood vaccination using the Health Belief Model (HBM). Methods: An analytical cross-sectional survey was conducted among 384 parents and step-parents (18–45 years) from diverse socio-economic backgrounds in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Participants were selected through consecutive sampling of all eligible individuals who completed a questionnaire evaluating attitudes toward childhood vaccination. Data were analyzed using attended Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital (BDTH) during the data collection period. The HBM SPSS version 29, employing descriptive statistics and inferential tests, including independent t-test and One-Way ANOVA. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Participants’ perceptions were moderate in different dimensions of health beliefs (HB). Perceived susceptibility, severity, and barriers had moderate concern levels (Mean = 2.37, SD = 0.576; Mean = 2.15, SD = 0.653; Mean = 2.54, SD = 0.585, respectively). Parents had positive attitudes towards vaccination benefits (Mean = 3.86, SD = 0.735) and moderate cues to action (Mean = 2.75, SD = 0.677) and health motivation (Mean = 3.63, SD = 0.865). Independent t-tests showed gender (p = 0.16) and residency (p = 0.05) was not associated with the health beliefs score. However, the parental status variable had a substantial association with the HB score (p = 0.01). One-way ANOVA test found no significant association between the HB score and age, tribe, marital status, employment status, family income, and religion (p = 0.98, 0.75, 0.05, 0.37, 0.59, 0.60, respectively). Conclusions: In light of these findings, it is clear that addressing perceived barriers and augmenting cues for action is critical in fostering positive parental health behaviors, particularly regarding childhood vaccination, although further studies are needed to confirm these results. Capitalizing on the favorable perception of vaccination benefits and further cultivating existing health motivation emerge as effective strategies in promoting health.