A retrospective review of the factors that negatively influenced the eradication of polio in South-South, Nigeria
Open Access
- 30 July 2021
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Heighten Science Publications Corporation
- Vol. 2 (1), 021-024
- https://doi.org/10.29328/journal.jcmhs.1001011
Abstract
Background: The endemic nature of poliomyelitis in Nigeria was a source of concern to many given the global efforts aimed at eradicating the scourge. In this study, the factors that influenced the eradication of this malady in South-South Nigeria (Akwa Ibom and Cross River State) were investigated. Four null hypotheses, drawn on these factors (including culture belief, religious difference, language and the prevalence of ethnic conflict) guided the investigation. The main thrust of this study was to examine how socio-cultural factors negatively influenced the eradication of polio in the study area. Methods: Through stratified random and purposive sampling techniques, 600 adult men and women who had children were selected for the study. A structured questionnaire constructed by the researcher was used in data collection. Data analysis was carried out using one-way ANOVA and independent t-test statistical tools. Results: The findings were that cultural belief and religious affiliation exerted significant influence on the people’s effort towards polio eradication. Conclusion: The study indicated that the low use of health services by the people was brought about by variation in these variables. Among other things, it was suggested that continuous awareness campaigns be carried out to educate the people on the need for immunization anchored in science and technology.Keywords
This publication has 4 references indexed in Scilit:
- Ending Use of Oral Poliovirus Vaccine — A Difficult Move in the Polio EndgameThe New England Journal of Medicine, 2018
- Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication — Nigeria, January–December 2017Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), 2018
- Religious Opposition to Polio VaccinationEmerging Infectious Diseases, 2009
- What Led to the Nigerian Boycott of the Polio Vaccination Campaign?PLoS Medicine, 2007