Title : Awareness and Acceptability of Rotavirus Vaccine among mothers of under-five children in Gusau and Bungudu c Ommunities of Zamfara State, Northwestern Nigeria
Abstract:
This study examines the awareness and acceptability of the rotavirus vaccine among mothers of children under five in Gusau and Bungudu, Zamfara State, Nigeria. Employing a comparative cross-sectional design, the research utilized quantitative surveys and qualitative focus groups discussions with 429 respondents from both urban (Gusau) and rural (Bungudu) areas. A systematic sampling technique ensured diverse representation across socio-demographic backgrounds. Findings revealed that 92.5% of mothers in Gusau were aware of the rotavirus vaccine, compared to 83.9% in Bungudu, indicating a significant association between awareness and urban residency (p=0.007). The sources of vaccine awareness were notably different, with Gusau mothers having greater exposure to health programs (p=0.006). Income levels also varied significantly; 74.3% of Gusau respondents were in the middle-income bracket, versus 65.8% in Bungudu (p=0.003). Education played a crucial role, as 60.4% of mothers in Gusau completed secondary education, while Bungudu had higher rates of mothers with no formal education (30.4%) or only primary education (25.5%) (p=0.0001). Additionally, the study found differences in perceptions of vaccine safety, with urban respondents expressing fewer concerns compared to those in rural areas, who often cited fears of side effects and cultural beliefs. Despite these barriers, rotavirus vaccine acceptability was high in both locations, with 81.4% in Gusau and 73.2% in Bungudu willing to vaccinate, largely due to trust in healthcare providers. The research highlights the socio-economic and educational disparities affecting vaccine uptake, recommending enhanced healthcare access and educational outreach in rural areas. Strategies such as mobile health clinics and community involvement are suggested to improve awareness and ultimately reduce rotavirus-related morbidity in Zamfara State.
