Factors Associated with Uptake of Rotavirus Vaccination among Mothers of Children under Five in Umuahia North, Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrhea among children under five years of age globally, with Nigeria bearing a significant burden. Despite the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine into Nigeria’s national immunisation schedule, uptake remains suboptimal in many regions. Aim: This study aimed to assess the factors that influence the uptake of rotavirus vaccination among mothers of under-five children in Umuahia North Local Government Area, Abia State. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 384 mothers selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The findings revealed that only 93 (24.2%) of the children had received at least one dose of the rotavirus vaccine, and completion of the three-dose schedule was rare. Awareness and knowledge of the vaccine were notably low, as only 24.2% of mothers had ever heard of it, with health workers being the main source of information. The major reasons for non-uptake included lack of awareness (31.3%), distance to health facilities (15.6%), and fear of side effects (9.6%). Factors significantly influencing uptake included occupation and prior awareness of the vaccine (p < 0.05), while other socio-demographic variables were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The study concludes that low awareness, inadequate health education, and access-related challenges significantly hinder rotavirus vaccine uptake. Strengthening community health education, expanding vaccine access, and empowering healthcare workers with better communication tools are recommended to improve coverage and reduce rotavirus-related morbidity and mortality in the area.