Date of Conferral

2017

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Public Health

Advisor

Amany Refaat

Abstract

Caregivers' compliance with polio vaccine regimens and timely receipt of the recommended 4 doses of polio vaccine are pivotal to eliminating polio. This cross sectional study, conducted in Lagos State, Nigeria, examined polio vaccine compliance and demographic attributes of caregivers' for statistically significant associations. Using an adapted health belief model theoretical framework, 1,200 participants were recruited from well-baby clinics in 8 local government areas in Lagos State. Participants completed a brief demographic survey providing data on caregivers' age, gender, residence (rural or urban), and their level of education as well as records from their children's immunization cards. Data obtained were tested for associations between caregiver's demographic information and their children's receipt of polio doses within specified timelines using chi-square and logistic regression analysis. Fisher's exact analysis were conducted for variables with frequencies less than 5. The only significant association recorded was between the receipt of Polio Dose A and location of caregivers' residence: Rural dwelling caregivers were less likely to receive the first dose of polio. Results showed Polio Dose D to be the dose most likely received in an untimely manner as well as most likely missed of the 4 doses. Logistic regression analysis did not show any variable to be of greater odds in predicting completion of the 4 doses or compliance with timelines of their receipt. Study's results may inspire polio program planners to develop interventions that broaden the immunization coverage for rural dwellers to include nontraditional maternity locations. Positive social change will ensue by the improvement caregivers' compliance with full polio dose receipts with timelines, maximizing immunity.

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