Personal and Environmental Factors Affecting Compliance with the National Immunization Program in Nabua, Camarines Sur

Abstract

Compliance with the National Immunization Program (NIP) remains a significant public health concern as personal and environmental factors continue to influence parents' decisions regarding childhood vaccination. This study aimed to identify the personal and environmental factors affecting compliance with the National Immunization Program in Nabua, Camarines Sur. A descriptive survey research design was employed among mothers of children aged 12–59 months selected through stratified random sampling. Data were gathered using a researcher-developed, expert-validated questionnaire based on the Health Belief Model and Pender's Health Promotion Model and were analyzed using frequency, percentage, and weighted mean. The findings revealed that among the personal factors, perceived benefits (WM = 2.95), perceived susceptibility (WM = 2.71), and perceived severity (WM = 2.58) affected compliance, while personal experiences (WM = 1.49) did not. Perceived barriers moderately affected compliance (WM = 2.01), particularly concerns regarding expected side effects, inadequate knowledge of immunization schedules, and missed vaccination appointments. Among the environmental factors, interpersonal influences did not affect compliance (WM = 1.40), whereas situational influences moderately affected compliance (WM = 1.97), with vaccine shortages and limited access to alternative vaccination services emerging as the most influential concerns. The findings indicate that mothers' positive health beliefs play a greater role in promoting compliance than previous personal experiences or interpersonal influences. Strengthening health education, addressing vaccine misinformation, implementing reminder systems, and ensuring an uninterrupted vaccine supply are recommended to improve compliance with the National Immunization Program.