Tetanus toxoid immunization coverage and associated Factors among mothers in babile district, east Hararghe zone, east ethiopia

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.