*Abiodun Joel Oladejo, Rhoda Mundi and Adewuyi Oluwatoyin Akanbi
Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Abuja, Nigeria.
*Corresponding author’s Email: abiodunpopulation28@gmail.com, doi.org/10.55639/607.020100129
ABSTRACT
Vaccine equity remains a major public health challenge in many low- and middle-income countries, where socioeconomic and spatial disparities continue to limit equitable access to childhood immunization services. Evidence regarding the independent drivers of vaccine equity in Plateau North Senatorial District, Nigeria, remains scarce. A cross-sectional study conducted in district among 400 mothers aged 15–49 years whose youngest child was aged 12–23 months. A multistage stratified sampling technique was used to select respondents across the six Local Government Areas of Plateau North Senatorial District. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Descriptive statistics summarized respondents’ characteristics, while Chi-square tests and binomial logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with childhood immunization at a 5% significance level. Most respondents were aged 25-29 years (28.8%), tertiary education (51.0%), lived in rented accommodation (77.3%), resided in peri-urban communities (48.0%), travelled 3–4 km to access health facilities (58.5%) and 1-7 antenatal care visits (58.0%). Chi square analysis showed that housing ownership status (χ² = 7.647, p = 0.022) had significant associations with childhood immunization. Binomial logistic regression revealed that housing ownership status (AOR = 2.074; 95% CI: 1.315–3.270; p = 0.002) and settlement type (AOR = 0.730; 95% CI: 0.545–0.978; p = 0.035) were significant independent predictors of childhood immunization. Maternal age, maternal education, distance to health facilities, and means of transportation were not significantly associated with childhood immunization after adjustment. The study concludes that vaccine equity in Plateau North Senatorial District is primarily influenced by socioeconomic and spatial inequalities. Interventions aimed at improving childhood immunization should prioritize disadvantaged households and underserved settlements through targeted outreach programmes, equitable healthcare delivery, and policies that reduce financial and geographic barriers to vaccination.
KEYWORDS
Vaccine, Equity, Childhood Immunization, Drivers.