Knowledge, Attitude and Willingness to Accept Malaria Vaccine Amongst Pregnant Women in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Federal Capital Territory

Abstract

This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and willingness to accept malaria vaccination among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted, and data were collected from 415 respondents using a structured questionnaire, achieving a 98.3% response rate. Analysis was conducted using frequencies, percentages, chi-square tests, and multiple logistic regressions. Findings revealed that 269 (64.8%) of respondents had good knowledge about malaria vaccine. Positive attitudes towards vaccination were recorded among 289 (69.6%) of respondents, with 365 (88.0%) trusting healthcare providers, yet 235 (56.6%) worried about side effects while 347 (83.6%) expressed willingness to accept the malaria vaccine if offered; however, only 276 (66.5%) were willing to pay if it was not free. Significant predictors of good knowledge included education (p = 0.007, OR = 2.27) and religion (p = 0.022, OR = 2.15), for Attitude, education (p = 0.000, OR = 3.92) and occupation (p = 0.004, OR = 3.27), while religion (Christianity) significantly predicted willingness to accept vaccination (p = 0.002). The study concludes that although knowledge and willingness are high, concerns about vaccine side effects and cost remain barriers. Recommendations are intensified health education, community engagement through religious and traditional leaders, and policies on subsidy to improve vaccine uptake among pregnant women in AMAC.