ATTITUDE OF MOTHERS TOWARDS USE OF ANTENATAL CARE AND CHILDHOOD IMMUNISATION SERVICES IN ZAMFARA STATE, NIGERIA

A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Maternal and under-five mortality is averted through the utilisation of antenatal care (ANC) and childhood immunisation services. However, utilisation of the services is determined by the attitude of people towards the services. This study examined the attitude of
mothers towards the use of Athe NC and childhood immunisation services in Zamfara State, Nigeria. A qualitative design was employed for the study. Twelve (12) sessions of Focus Group Discussion (FGD) were conducted, 6 each for mothers and the household heads. Six sessions of Key Informant Interview (KII) were also conducted for traditional rulers and healthcare professionals. The data were analysed thematically using ATLASti8 software. The study identified that most of the mothers and household heads in Zamfara State had positive attitudes towards ANC and childhood immunisation services. Furthermore, the study found that the positive attitude of only mothers towards ANC and childhood immunisation might not suffice as attitudes of healthcare providers and extended family members, as well as religious and traditional leaders’ support, exerted strong influences on women's perception of ANC and childhood immunisation services. This study recommends that governmental organisations, managers of maternal and child health programmes, and other stakeholders should educate the general public about the importance of ANC and childhood immunisation and encourage parents, religious leaders, and traditional leaders to improve/sustain the positive attitude
towards the services. More importantly, academic staff involved in healthcare professional training should inform their students about the need to accord respect, humility, and commitment to women seeking ANC and childhood immunisation.