HEALTHCARE ACCESS AND FACTORS INFLUENCING IMMUNIZATION ATTITUDES BY PREGNANT WOMEN IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTER, KANO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examined healthcare access and factors influencing immunization attitudes among
pregnant women attending Primary Health Care Center in Kano State, Nigeria. The research
aimed to evaluate the influence of healthcare access on immunization attitudes, identify sociocultural and informational factors affecting vaccine acceptance, and assess the level of
immunization awareness among pregnant women. A descriptive survey research design was
adopted. The target population comprised pregnant women attending antenatal clinics, and a
sample size of 169 respondents was selected using the Morgan and Krejcie sample size
determination method. Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire titled Healthcare
Access and Immunization Attitude Questionnaire (HAIAQ). The instrument was validated by
public health experts, and a Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of 0.84 was obtained. Data
were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to assess associations between
healthcare access and immunization attitudes. Findings revealed thinregular access to antenatal
healthcare services positively influenced immunization attitudes among pregnant women.
However, barriers such as long waiting times, inadequate counseling, transportation challenges,
misinformation, and cultural beliefs negatively affected vaccine acceptance. The study concludes
this improved healthcare access, effective provider–patient communication, and targeted health
education are essential for improving immunization attitudes among pregnant women.
Recommendations include strengthening primary healthcare services, enhancing counseling
during antenatal visits, and expanding community-based outreach programs.