Effect Of Behaviour Change Communication On Mothers’ Knowledge Of Routine Immunization At Selected Clinics In Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Routine immunization is a key public health strategy for preventing vaccine-preventable diseases, yet coverage rates remain suboptimal in many low- and middle-income countries. Despite the availability of immunization services and strong evidence supporting their effectiveness, knowledge deficits in Nigeria continue to undermine immunization efforts. This assessed the impact of Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) on women's knowledge of routine immunization in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A cluster randomised trial design was employed across four selected health centres in Ebonyi State. A sample size of 910 participants (454 in the intervention group and 456 in the control group) was recruited. The intervention group was exposed to a BCC program, while the control group received standard care. Data were collected at baseline and post-intervention and analyzed using descriptive and inferential (Chi square and Odds Ratio) statistics at a 0.05 significance level. At baseline, both groups exhibited low levels of knowledge, with 91.9% of the intervention group and 94.7% of the control group reporting inadequate knowledge. After the intervention, inadequate knowledge levels in the intervention group significantly reduced to 26% in the intervention group compared to 93% in the control group (p < 0.001). This study highlighted the effectiveness of BCC in improving knowledge of routine immunization in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Policymakers should consider incorporating BCC programs into immunization strategies to enhance knowledge of routine immunization in underserved communities.