Awareness, Adherence and Determinant Factors among Pregnant Mothers on Lifelong Tetanus Toxoid Vaccination as Part of the National Immunization Scheme

Objective:This study determined pregnant women’s awareness, and determinants of uptake of National immunization recommendations for a maternal tetanus vaccine.

Study Design: A cross-sectional study of 347 eligible pregnant women who attended the booking antenatal clinic of institute of maternal and child health (IMCH). Structured interviewer-administered questionnaires, captured socio-demographic the mothers’ knowledge level of routine tetanus immunization and factors affecting uptake. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 20 statistical computer software package. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied.

Results: The majority [66%} of the respondents were not aware of the national immunization schedule for tetanus toxoid. Only 28.8% (100) women could correctly state the dosing interval for the vaccination. The study showed that 184 women ought to have completed the vaccination based on their history, only 36 (19.6%) reported completion. Age, parity, marital status and women’s occupation were significantly associated with tetanus vaccine uptake in pregnant women.

Conclusion: Awareness of maternal tetanus vaccination is low, thus increase may be achieved through antenatal health talk and policies.