Maternal influences on preventive health behavior in children

The aim of the Child Survival Revolution, of which the Expanded Programs on Immunization is a part, is to immunize all children against six preventable diseases. Considerable progress has been made. However, high dropout rates, and the lack of participation by the target groups still continue to present problems for the success of the program. This article examines data on a sample survey of 1,000 households undertaken in three areas of Accra in 1982. The critical factors which determine mother-initiated preventive health behavior for their children are identified. The implications for preventive health behavior in Ghana, and in other developing countries, are examined.