Parental Attitudes Toward Childhood Vaccination in Rural Anambra State

This study examined parental attitudes toward childhood vaccination, their determinants, and the relationship between attitudes and vaccination practices in rural communities of Anambra State. A mixed-method design was employed, combining a quantitative survey of 383 parents with in-depth interviews and focus group discussions across nine rural Local Government Areas. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and thematic analysis. Parents demonstrated strongly positive attitudes (grand mean = 2.85), recognising the importance of vaccines (3.25), their safety (3.23), and expressing pride in completing schedules (3.33). Community health workers (3.17) and religious leaders (3.11) emerged as the strongest facilitators. Vaccination practices were high (95% uptake, 89% card retention, 83% up to date), yet 25% missed appointments—primarily due to forgetfulness (45%) and children's illness (24%). A significant moderate positive correlation (r=0.512, p<0.001) confirmed that positive attitudes predict vaccination behaviour. It was concluded that Parental attitudes are overwhelmingly positive, with the critical gaps owing to practical implementation barriers rather than attitudinal resistance. Interventions should prioritise reminder systems, flexible services, and sustained health worker-religious leader partnerships.