Asian Journal of Research in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Routine immunization remains a central strategy for reducing under five morbidity and mortality, yet completion rates continue to reflect disparities shaped by socio demographic and socio-economic realities affecting caregivers and health service utilization patterns in Nasarawa State. This research emerges from the necessity to enhance comprehension of the role that socio-demographic and socio-economic factors play within the social framework of Nasarawa State in affecting the completion of immunization. A functional perspective highlights that health outcomes are the result of the collaborative efforts of interrelated institutions. When families have sufficient knowledge, financial resources, and access to supportive health services, immunization initiatives tend to attain higher completion rates.

Aim of the Study: The aim of study is to examine socio demographic and socio -economic factors influencing immunization completion rates among children under five years of age in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, through a functional analytical framework that emphasizes institutional interdependence.

Objectives of the Study: To determine the relationship between selected socio demographic characteristics of caregivers and immunization completion among under five children in the state. 

To evaluate the influence of socio -economic variables, including household income, occupation, and employment stability, on adherence to recommended vaccination schedules.

Research Questions: 1. How do socio-demographic characteristics of caregivers and households influence the immunization completion rate among children under five years in Nasarawa State, Nigeria?

1. To what extent do socio-economic conditions of households affect the completion of childhood immunization among children under five years in Nasarawa State, Nigeria?
2. How do socio-demographic and socio-economic factors interact to influence caregivers’ decisions regarding completion of childhood immunization in Nasarawa State, Nigeria?

Methods of Study: The study adopted a descriptive cross -sectional design using a multi-stage sample technique.419  caregivers of under five children attending selected  primary health care facilities across the three senatorial districts of Nasarawa State were sampled, Data was collected through structured questionnaires, using the Kobo-collection toolbox, and results were analyzed using chi-square tests to determine correlations between the sociodemographic and economic-demographic variables, and descriptive statistics to summarize the data.

Results: The sample comprised 419 respondents, of whom 90.9 percent were female, 43.1 percent were between the ages of 25 and 34, 82.4 percent were married, 43.2 percent had a secondary education, 38.9 percent were artisans, and 43.2 percent made less than N20,000 on average. Results of the study showed that full childhood immunization coverage was significantly associated with the sociodemographic and economic characteristics of the caregivers as indicates; marital status (p=0.1761), educational attainment (p=0.1737), and monthly income (p=0.4797). While there were still variations in vaccination rates by community, the overall findings of the study showed that 75.7% of the children had received all recommended vaccinations. Differences in parental education, occupation, income, household structure, and place of residence still play a role in health-seeking behaviors and service utilization.

Conclusion: These findings indicate that sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors are key determinants of immunization completion and that policymakers and health managers should enhance community engagement, expand targeted health education, and develop context-specific social support strategies to achieve equitable immunization coverage in Nasarawa State.