Maternal healthcare-seeking behaviour and timely childhood vaccination among agricultural households in rural Nigeria

Maternal healthcare-seeking behaviour (MHSB) is a key determinant of childhood vaccination rates. In rural Nigeria, MHSB remains low and has been associated with poor maternal and child health outcomes. However, empirical evidence linking MHSB to timely childhood immunisation, particularly among agricultural households in rural Nigeria, is limited. This study therefore examined the effect of maternal healthcare-seeking behaviour on timely childhood vaccination among agricultural households in rural Nigeria. The study utilised secondary data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). Information on vaccines received by children, prenatal care, timing of first antenatal visit, number of antenatal visits, skilled birth attendance, and postnatal care was extracted for 2,751 rural women with under-five children in agricultural households. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) to generate the MHSB index, and an extended ordered probit model. The findings show that women in agricultural households in rural Nigeria moderately utilise maternal healthcare services, with a mean MHSB index of 0.54, while 55.83% of children were unimmunised. Maternal healthcare-seeking behaviour and husband’s education significantly improved partial vaccination status, while husband’s education and mother’s full-time employment in agriculture were associated with improved full vaccination status in children. Maternal healthcare-seeking behaviour positively influences child immunisation status among agricultural households in rural Nigeria. Strengthening policies that promote maternal healthcare utilisation and expanding access to antenatal and vaccination services particularly through community and market-based health centres and male involvement are essential to improving vaccination coverage in rural Nigeria.