Abstract:
Background: Globally it is estimated that neonatal tetanus is responsible for 14% of all neonatal
deaths. In some African countries, it accounted for up to 25% of the deaths, while maternal
tetanus was responsible for at least 5% of maternal deaths annually worldwide.
With the current global push for maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination, a reliable estimate of
TT coverage is required to assess the level of attainment of immunization, as one of the proven
strategies for the eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus, towards reaching the elimination
goal. According to EDHS 2011 only thirty-four percent of women with a birth in the five years
preceding the survey received two or more tetanus toxoid injections during their last pregnancy, and 48
percent of mothers were protected for their last birth. And factors for low coverage were not clearly
identified.
Objective: To assess tetanus toxoid immunization coverage and identify associated factors
among mothers who give birth in past five years in Babile woreda in 2014.
Method: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 28 – April
6/2014 in Babile Woreda. Multi stage sampling method was used to select study participants and
sample of 735 women who gave birth in the last five years were interviewed. Face to face
interview was used to collect data using structured questionnaire. Data were entered to EPI data
entry version 3.1 by the principal investigator. The data generated were analyzed using SPSS
version 16.0. Frequencies, binary and multiple logistic regression analysis were done, OR and
95% confidence interval were calculated.
Result Three hundred forty nine (50%) of women with a birth in the five years preceding the
survey received two or more tetanus toxoid injections during their last pregnancy, and four
hundred sixty nine(67.2%) of mothers were protected for their last birth. Statistically significant
and independent association was observed between TT immunization status and family income,
immunization service provision, distance from the nearest health institution, knowledge and
attitude of mother on tetanus toxoid immunization.
Conclusion Tetanus toxoid immunization coverage was low. This was due to low family
income, immunization service provision, knowledge and attitude of mothers to wards tetanus
toxoid immunization and lack of awareness on the advantages and side effects of tetanus toxoid
immunization and awareness creation should be done both at rural and urban areas.
