Systemic and Structural Barriers Hindering the Effectiveness of Public Health Campaigns in Reducing Childhood Vaccination Hesitancy among Young Mothers in Selected Local Communities in Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

Childhood vaccination remains one of the most effective public health interventions for preventing infectious diseases and reducing child mortality. However, vaccine hesitancy among young mothers continues to undermine the success of immunization programmes in many developing countries, including Nigeria. This study examined the systemic and structural barriers that hinder the success of public health campaigns in reducing childhood vaccination hesitancy among young mothers in selected local communities in Niger State, Nigeria. The study specifically explored healthcare system limitations, socioeconomic challenges, poor healthcare infrastructure, inadequate health communication strategies, cultural and religious influences, low literacy levels, misinformation, and policy-related constraints affecting childhood immunization acceptance. A quantitative descriptive research design was adopted for the study. A total of 250 young mothers participated in the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. A mean cut-off point of 2.50 was used to determine agreement or disagreement with the study items. The findings revealed that systemic barriers such as shortages of healthcare workers, poor vaccine supply chains, inadequate funding, weak healthcare policies, and ineffective communication systems significantly limited the effectiveness of public health campaigns. Structural barriers, including poverty, geographical inaccessibility, gender inequality, low educational attainment, and cultural misconceptions, also contributed to vaccine hesitancy among young mothers in Niger State. The study further found that mistrust in government institutions and healthcare providers weakened community participation in childhood immunization programmes. The study concluded that addressing childhood vaccination hesitancy among young mothers requires comprehensive interventions aimed at strengthening healthcare systems, improving public health communication, enhancing access to immunization services, and promoting culturally sensitive community engagement. The study recommended increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, improved training of healthcare workers, community-based health education, strengthened vaccine supply systems, and collaboration with religious and traditional leaders to improve childhood vaccination acceptance among young mothers in Niger State, Nigeria.