Tetanus Toxoid Vaccination Coverage and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women: A Healthcare Study in the Developing Countries

Abstract

Neonatal Tetanus (NNT) is an acute disease that initially has a loss of ability to suck, followed by generalized stiffness and painful muscle spasms, where maternal tetanus is defined as tetanus during pregnancy, where maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT) are an important cause of maternal and neonatal mortality. This study intends to assess possible reasons that might account for the low immunization coverage of tetanus toxoid vaccine among pregnant women in district Jaffar Abad, Baluchistan. A cross-section study was conducted District Jaffar Abad, Baluchistan. Sample included 372 pregnant women of age group 15 to 49 years and women with children under 12 months. Nonprobability sampling was used. The data was entered into SPSS 16. Among the total respondents, 21.8% were completely immunized against tetanus Toxoid (TT) and have taken more than 2 TT injections during pregnancy. Among demographic characteristics it was found that age remained significantly associated with the completed TT vaccination status (p<0.05). Females having more than 20,000 Rs per month household income have better TT vaccination status (p<0.05). Females in joint family system have better vaccination status (p<0.05), Educated and working female got better TT vaccination status (p<0.05). Awareness about tetanus infection among females remained significantly associated with the complete TT immunization status (p<0.05) and… It was concluded that the TT vaccination coverage was below the WHO recommendations. The study recommended that stakeholders design and implement appropriate and relevant immunization programs to improve TT vaccination in the study area through routine educational campaign on TT vaccinations as well as on antenatal.