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Background <p>Malaria infection continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality in Nigeria despite the integration of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine into the National Programme on immunization. Understanding how caregivers of young children perceive this new vaccine is important for successful implementation.</p> Aim <p>To assess the awareness, acceptability and factors affecting uptake of the new R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine among caregivers of under-fives in Asaba, Southern Nigeria.</p> Materials and methods <p>A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and June 2025, among 358 consenting caregivers of under-5 children who presented at the children’s outpatient and immunization clinic in three health facilities in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. The study utilized pretested semi-structured, self-administered questionnaires containing information on vaccine awareness, hesitancy and adverse reactions. Data was analyzed using SPSS 26, with a p-value &lt; 0.05 considered significant.</p> Results <p>Only 36.3% of respondents were aware of the vaccine. However, most (85.8%) were willing to vaccinate their children. Reasons for reluctance to accept the vaccine were fear of adverse reactions (45.1%), lack of interest (19.6%), and spousal disagreement (13.7%). There was a statistically significant association between the type of health facility and knowledge of malaria vaccines (p = 0.038). Occupation (p = 0.018) and gender of caregivers (p = 0.006) were significant factors, female caregivers and civil servants were more willing to accept malaria vaccination for their wards.</p> Conclusion <p>Despite a strong willingness among caregivers to vaccinate their children, awareness of the malaria vaccine was inadequate. Targeted awareness campaigns, especially addressing safety concerns and spousal engagement, are urgently needed to translate high willingness into actual uptake.</p>

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Awareness, acceptability and determinants of the new malaria vaccine among caregivers of under-five children in Asaba, Nigeria: a multi-centre cross-sectional study

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月25日

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  • Chikodili Ogugua Ilikannu,
  • Omozele Martha Uwadia,
  • Samuel Okwuchukwu Ilikannu,
  • Precious Agenu,
  • Chioma Ngozichukwu Pauline Mbachu,
  • Nnamdi Pascal Okoye,
  • Angelica Chinecherem Uwaezuoke,
  • Benita Arinze,
  • Ibukun Akinkunmi,
  • Joy Adaeze Jideije,
  • Chidinma Onwuasoeze,
  • Chiagozie Dan-Nwankwo,
  • Ogochukwu Ethel Aladegbehingbe,
  • Princess Chinelo Igboejesi,
  • Hillary Onome Onomuighokpo,
  • Nathaniel Chukwu,
  • Ebuka Igwe

摘要

Background

Malaria infection continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality in Nigeria despite the integration of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine into the National Programme on immunization. Understanding how caregivers of young children perceive this new vaccine is important for successful implementation.

Aim

To assess the awareness, acceptability and factors affecting uptake of the new R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine among caregivers of under-fives in Asaba, Southern Nigeria.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and June 2025, among 358 consenting caregivers of under-5 children who presented at the children’s outpatient and immunization clinic in three health facilities in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. The study utilized pretested semi-structured, self-administered questionnaires containing information on vaccine awareness, hesitancy and adverse reactions. Data was analyzed using SPSS 26, with a p-value < 0.05 considered significant.

Results

Only 36.3% of respondents were aware of the vaccine. However, most (85.8%) were willing to vaccinate their children. Reasons for reluctance to accept the vaccine were fear of adverse reactions (45.1%), lack of interest (19.6%), and spousal disagreement (13.7%). There was a statistically significant association between the type of health facility and knowledge of malaria vaccines (p = 0.038). Occupation (p = 0.018) and gender of caregivers (p = 0.006) were significant factors, female caregivers and civil servants were more willing to accept malaria vaccination for their wards.

Conclusion

Despite a strong willingness among caregivers to vaccinate their children, awareness of the malaria vaccine was inadequate. Targeted awareness campaigns, especially addressing safety concerns and spousal engagement, are urgently needed to translate high willingness into actual uptake.