Relationships among maternal literacy, health worker behaviour and immunization outcomes in primary health care centres: Evidence from a sub-urban community in Delta State, Nigeria

This paper examines mothers' awareness of infant immunisation and the success of childhood immunization in the Ika South Local Government Area (LGA). A descriptive cross-sectional survey with a sample population of 150 women and health workers was conducted to assess how maternal literacy levels and health worker behaviour (Communication, Empathy and Commitment to Duty) influence immunization practices. Data were collected through printed structured questionnaires that assessed participants’ literacy level, the relationship between immunization and infant mortality and the impact of the behaviour of health workers towards immunization. Chi-square statistical analysis was used to analyse the results. Findings suggest that illiterate mothers often struggle to understand vaccination schedules, the importance of immunization, and how to access health services (p < 0.05). As a result, children of such mothers are more likely to miss essential vaccines, increasing their risk of preventable diseases (such as tuberculosis, poliomyelitis (polio), measles, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b disease, pneumococcal disease (including pneumonia and meningitis), rotavirus diarrhoea, yellow fever, and human papillomavirus-related diseases (where applicable). Cultural beliefs and misinformation arising from inadequate and sometimes unwilling health personnel charged with the responsibility of counselling and enlightening these women, further worsen the situation, leading to mothers lacking the ability to critically assess health-related information and literacy programs aimed at empowering women. Improving maternal literacy in Ika South LGA is not only a step towards educational development but also a key strategy for enhancing child health. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted health education, thereby increasing community sensitization and immunization success rates.