Socio-Cultural Factors Influencing Male Involvement in Routine Child Immunization in An Urban Dispensary in a Limited-Resource City Setting

Abstract

Routine child immunization is one of the most cost-effective public health strategies for preventing common childhood illnesses, with higher percentages in developing countries. This study assessed the level of male involvement and socio-cultural factors influencing males’ involvement in routine child immunization at Silanga dispensary in Kibra, Nairobi County. This study adopted a descriptive research design. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from 36 male caregivers seeking routine child immunization services at Silanga dispensary. Completed questionnaires were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 24, then described and presented using tables and graphs. All ethical procedures were observed. The majority of men (38.9%, n=14) were aged 18-25 years, with 44.4% (n=16) having secondary education as their highest level of education, and more than half (55.5%, n=20) were unemployed. The respondents found to be lowly involved in child immunization were 41.6% (n=15). On assessing socio-cultural practices influencing their involvement, half (50%, n=18) of them reported cultural practices, including child immunization, being solely a woman’s affair (72.2%, n=13) and participation of men being a sign of weakness (61.1%, n=11). In addition, more than half (58.3%, n=21) reported misconceptions about male involvement in routine child immunization. However, the majority (80.6%, n=29) reported that no religious teachings or beliefs influenced their involvement in child immunization. Almost three-quarters (72.2%, n=26) of them reported that the decision on child immunization was made by both husband and wife. Male involvement in child immunization was sub-optimal. Socio-cultural practices influenced their involvement, including child immunization being solely a woman’s affair and male participation being a sign of weakness. Furthermore, various misconceptions were reported. This calls for increased regular health messages on child immunization among men attending all health services to eliminate these misconceptions.