Tetanus Toxoid Vaccination Status of Women in Baghdad

Abstract

Background: Immunization remains one of the paramount public health interventions and a cost effective method to reduce both the ailment and death associated with infectious diseases. Uptake of vaccination is dependent not only on providing of the vaccination services but also on other influences including awareness and practice of women. Objectives: To assess tetanus toxoid immunization status of mother’s. In addition, to address the factors influencing their immunization status. Method: Cross sectional study conducted in ten primary health care centers in Baghdad for the period from February until the end of October 2020. Convenient sample of mothers, who had delivered a live baby within the previous 12 months from the study and attended the selected primary health care centers in Baghdad were recruited. An interview questionnaire used to collect data regarding history of tetanus toxoid vaccine up take of the mothers during their last pregnancy. Results: The total number of mothers enrolled in the study was 400, 214(53.5%) of them were received tetanus toxoid vaccine (TTV) during their last pregnancy. 127(59.3%) of the mothers were uptake two doses of TTV. Among the study group, 31.75% of mothers were considered as immunized according to WHO classification. Age of mother, education, and respondents’ working status; alongside with antenatal care attendance and place of delivery all had insignificant impact on the immunization status. Lack of time was the main reason for not vaccination (22.6%). Conclusion: Tetanus toxoid immunization coverage was inadequate. For that reason, immunization campaigns targeting enhanced utilization of immunization services by mothers and women of childbearing age are highly recommended.