CHILDHOOD VACCINATION UPTAKE AND PUBLIC PERCEPTION POST-COVID-19 IN BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract: This study sought to evaluate the demographic distribution, perceptions of childhood vaccination, and their relationship with vaccination uptake among participants. Public attitudes toward vaccines are influenced by multiple factors, including past interactions with healthcare systems, cultural and religious beliefs, exposure to misinformation, and perceptions of vaccine safety and effectiveness. The dynamics surrounding these perceptions were further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic, during which the spread of misinformation on social media significantly undermined public trust. A total of 810 participants were surveyed. Data on demographic variables, perception of childhood vaccination, and vaccination uptake were collected via interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using chi-square tests and odds ratios. Most participants were aged 30-39 years (34.3%), female (78%), and married (60.2%). Most had secondary education (55.1%) and were self-employed (40.2%). The perception of childhood vaccination was generally positive, with 66.2% agreeing that vaccines are important for protecting children from serious diseases. However, 55.1% disagreed that vaccines have more risks than benefits. The association between demographic variables and perception revealed significant differences based on gender (p=0.015), marital status (p<0.001), and education level (p=0.021). Participants with a poor perception of vaccination were almost twice as likely to have incomplete vaccination (OR=1.95, 95% CI: 1.4 – 2.6, p=0.0001). The study highlights the importance of addressing demographic factors in vaccination campaigns to improve perception and uptake of childhood vaccination. Efforts should focus on educating and engaging specific demographic groups to enhance vaccination coverage. Keywords: Vaccination, Perception, Uptake, COVID-19, Bayelsa. Title: CHILDHOOD VACCINATION UPTAKE AND PUBLIC PERCEPTION POST-COVID-19 IN BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA Author: Adelekun, Omobolanle Esther International Journal of Novel Research in Healthcare and Nursing ISSN 2394-7330 Vol. 12, Issue 3, September 2025 - December 2025 Page No: 29-37 Novelty Journals Website: www.noveltyjournals.com Published Date: 29-September-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17224514 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/CHILDHOOD%20VACCINATION%20UPTAKE-29092025-4.pdf