Tetanus Toxoid Status and Determinants of Uptake among Women in Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria: A Community Based Study

Abstract

Introduction: Nigeria is one of the countries where maternal and neonatal tetanus is still prevalent and as such a public health issue. In spite of campaign on maternal tetanus immunization, its safety and protection against tetanus, uptake has remained poor. Aim: This study is aimed to determine the level of Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine uptake among women of child bearing age in Rivers State Nigeria. Methods: Using a cluster sampling method, a descriptive cross-sectional community based study was carried out. The study was carried out in Opiro community in Igbo Agwuru-Asa Clan in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State. Results: Of the 555 women studied 108(19.5%) of them had received 5 doses of TT while 206 (37.1%) had received at least two doses of TT, giving an overall prevalence of TT utilization among women of childbearing age of 31.7%. Eighty four (31.2%) of women who were ≤ 30 years compared to the 122(42.7%) of the older women had received at least 2 doses of TT vaccine. This was statistically significant (P=0.005, OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.16-2.32), educational level, marital status and occupation also significantly affected Tetanus Toxoid vaccine uptake among the women. Conclusion: This study concludes that utilization of TT immunization among women is low, that younger age, marital status, level of education and occupation of the women can significantly affect the level of TT uptake among women. There is need to strengthen immunization in this community and to create awareness on the need to get optimal Tetanus Toxoid immunization.