Bridging the Knowledge Gap and Enhancing Acceptance of the Rotavirus Vaccine Among Mothers in Nigeria: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Hafsat Ameen; Bello Mohammed Bello; Kudirat Omolabake Yusuf; Amina Idris Bello; Rasheedat Majolagbe Ibraheem; Muhinat  Bolanle Bello; Mulikat Ladi Abdulkadir Mustapha; Bilqis Wuraola Alatishe-Muhammad; Femi Oladiji

doi:10.71164/socialmedicine.v19i1.2026.1963

Authors

Hafsat Ameen Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Nigeria. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7724-7699
Bello Mohammed Bello Department of Logistics and Health Commodities, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Abuj, Nigeria. https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0338-2366
Kudirat Omolabake Yusuf Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1888-867X
Amina Idris Bello Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0385-2622
Rasheedat Majolagbe Ibraheem Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. Ilorin, Nigeria. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6895-1791
Muhinat Bolanle Bello Department of Social Sciences Education, Faculty of Education University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5181-7908
Mulikat Ladi Abdulkadir Mustapha Department of Educational Guidance and Counselling, Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6756-1038
Bilqis Wuraola Alatishe-Muhammad Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Ilorin Nigeria. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6895-1791
Femi Oladiji Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Ilorin, Nigeria. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8507-5305

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71164/socialmedicine.v19i1.2026.1963

Keywords:

Rotavirus vaccine, Vaccine acceptance, Child Health, Public Healh, Immunization Programs

Abstract

Background. Rotavirus remains a leading cause of severe diarrhea and mortality among children under five, particularly in low-income countries such as Nigeria. Despite the proven effectiveness of rotavirus vaccines, uptake remains low due to cultural beliefs, misinformation, and limited awareness. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to assess knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to accept the rotavirus vaccine among mothers in the Ilorin East Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria. A total of 270 participants were surveyed between April and July 2024 using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Results. Only 30% of respondents had heard of the rotavirus vaccine, and just 20% were aware of its protective benefits. Cultural beliefs and misconceptions about vaccine safety significantly influenced acceptance, with only 25% of mothers considering vaccines safe for their children. Conclusion. The study reveals substantial gaps in knowledge and vaccine acceptance among mothers in Ilorin East. Strengthened health education campaigns and community-based interventions—particularly those involving local health workers—are essential to dispel misconceptions, improve vaccine confidence, and enhance rotavirus immunization coverage.

Author Biography

Bello Mohammed Bello, Department of Logistics and Health Commodities, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Abuj, Nigeria.

Affiliations: Department of Logistics and Health Commodities, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Abuja

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Bridging the Knowledge Gap and Enhancing Acceptance of the Rotavirus Vaccine Among Mothers in Nigeria: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Authors

DOI:

Keywords:

Abstract

Author Biography

Bello Mohammed Bello, Department of Logistics and Health Commodities, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Abuj, Nigeria.

References

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