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Knowledge and Perception of Students of Tertiary Institution in the North-Western Nigeria on Childhood Polio Vaccine

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Author Affiliations

  • 1 Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, NIGERIA
  • 2 Department of Pharmacology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, NIGERIA

Int. Res. J. Medical Sci., Volume 3, Issue (2), Pages 1-6, February,28 (2015)

Abstract

Poliomyelitis is a serious clinical problem that affects some developing countries and the disease presents a constant threat to childhood population resulting in social and economic consequences for victim, parents and the society. It is the most important cause of physical disability worldwide. The present study was aimed at assessing Students’ knowledge and perception of oral polio vaccine in a tertiary institution in Northwestern Nigeria. Our study utilized a close ended interview questionnaire administered to randomly selected students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria. The results of the study showed a high level of awareness about polio among the respondents (95.9%). Television/radio was observed to be the commonest source of information about polio among the respondents (53.7%). There were 78.9% of the respondents that knew about the indication of polio vaccine. Among the respondents, 85.40% believed on polio vaccine and 4.60% did not believe on polio vaccine. 36.7% of non -believers of polio vaccine thought that, poliomyelitis is not a major problem in Nigeria, 33.3% believed it was against their religions, 20% believed that polio vaccine contained contraceptive ingredients, 3.3% indicated that, the vaccine can cause poliomyelitis itself while 6.7% believed it contain HIV. The study also showed that, majority of the respondents (89.4%) indicated they have polio vaccine unit in their areas where they live. The findings in this study indicates that, more advocacy, enlightenment and social mobilization are needed to dispel negative believes and improve acceptance of polio vaccine in our community.

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