Abstract

This study examined routine-immunization compliance among nursing mothers in the Ila Local Government Area (LGA), Osun State, Nigeria, and explored the interaction between maternal demographics, attitudes, and compliance. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, and 302 mothers of children aged 3–24 months were surveyed across five primary health centres. Most respondents were young, educated mothers, and husbands emerged as influential decision-makers, underscoring the value of targeted, family-oriented education. Attitudes toward immunization were largely favourable: 63.9% strongly agreed and 32.1% agreed that vaccines are beneficial. Reported barriers included religious restraints (25.2%), distance from facilities (52.3%), unfriendly staff encounters (52.0%), time constraints (42.4%), cost (33.8%), vaccine unavailability (45.4%), and limited partner support (28.1%). Age, marital status, and education were significantly associated with compliance, while willingness to pay (8.2%), prioritising the child’s well-being despite opposition (30.6%), assured uptake of all available vaccines (17.7%), and acceptance of designated immunization days (28.0%) were each associated with better compliance. The study recommends carefully designed educational campaigns, active collaboration with religious leaders, integration of trading mothers’ work schedules, equitable access to affordable services, and mitigation of cultural barriers. Overall, improving immunization compliance requires a comprehensive strategy that combines education, stakeholder engagement, and the removal of financial and cultural obstacles.

Keywords: Routine immunization, Nursing mothers, Compliance, Attitudes, Demography, Immunization adherence,

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