Sociocultural factors and the success of immunization in selected Local Governments of Kaduna State, Nigeria

Globally, immunization has been considered as one of the effective methods of reducing child morbidity and mortality rate. In spite of the increasing immunization coverage worldwide, Kaduna state in Nigeria has remained one of the areas with high mortality rate as a result of vaccine preventable diseases. Research indicates correlation between sociocultural factors and the success of immunization in Nigeria. While how sociocultural factors affect the success of immunization in Kaduna state has not been given adequate attention in literature, this study examines the nexus between the two with special reference to Kaduna state so as to avoid overgeneralization. Six LGs were selected from the three senatorial districts in the state. Both primary and secondary sources of data were utilized. In the case of primary data, interviews and focus group discussion (FGD) were conducted with women and health personnel to elicit their views on immunization services delivery, while questionnaires were administered to staff respondents on the success of immunization. Existing literature related to immunization especially journals and conference proceedings as well as unpublished documents were reviewed. Data gathered were subjected to correlation test using SPSS software. Results indicated significant success in terms of immunization coverage with little decline in mortality rate in the state. The study indicated correlation between sociocultural factors and the success of immunization in the state. The study recommends the need to increase the involvement of religious and traditional rulers in the sensitization exercise. The study further suggests the need to sensitize the public more on the importance of immunization at all levels of government.Keywords: Immunization, morbidity, mortality, sociocultura