Determinants Of Taking Adequate Tetanus Toxoid Vaccination Among Mothers In Their Last Pregnancy In Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Nigeria records considerable morbidity and mortality from tetanus, predominantly in newborns and women of reproductive age group. This is largely due to poor tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine (TTCV) uptake. This study investigated the factors influencing the uptake of adequate Tetanus toxoid vaccination among women in their last pregnancy in Nigeria. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study used data sets extracted from the Nigeria Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey. It includes data collected from 4,855 women, aged 15-49 years across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Data analysis, chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were then performed. Results: Out of the 4,855 women recruited, slightly half of the respondents (51.7%) were between the ages of 25 and 34. All respondents had tetanus injections, the majority of which (86.7%) were adequate. Some factors identified to influence TTCV uptake positively were younger age group (p<0.001, OR=1.377), tertiary education (p<0.001, OR=2.093), wealth (p<0.001, OR=2.217), owning an immunisation card (p<0.001, OR=0.69), exposure to radio and television (p<0.001, OR=1.749), residence in southern Nigeria (p=0.020, OR=1.571), prenatal care (p=0.019, OR=0.585) and delivery in health care facility (p<0.019, OR=0.448). Conclusion: This study found that the TTCV uptake in Nigeria among mothers in their last pregnancy was in keeping with the standard recommended by WHO for any country aspiring to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus. However, the lowest uptake was observed in the Northern region. We recommend that national policies on maternal and child care should be reviewed to improve TTCV uptake and aid the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus across all geopolitical zones in Nigeria.