Prevalence and determinants of two or more doses of tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine immunization among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from recent demographic and health survey data

Introduction: Tetanus is a major public health problem in low and middle income countries including in subSaharan Africa. Tetanus toxoid vaccine immunization during pregnancy is a global strategy against mortality due to maternal and neonatal tetanus. Recent data on tetanus toxoid-containing vaccination during pregnancy provides insight to policymakers for better implementation of the vaccine. Hence, this study aimed to determine prevalence and determinants of immunization with tetanus toxoid containing vaccine among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: Secondary analysis of the recent demographic and health survey data was done using a sample of 173,032 pregnant women. Stata 14 statistical software was used for analysis and multilevel logistic regression model was applied to determine associated factors of two or more tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine immunization. P-value less than 0.05 for adjusted odds ratio was used to identify factors significantly associated with the outcome. Result: The prevalence of immunization with two and more doses of tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine in subSaharan Africa was found to be 49.8 %. Women's age 36-49, women's education, poor household wealth index, unwanted pregnancy, women's occupation, husband education, and community illiteracy were significantly associated with two or more doses of tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine immunization in sub-Saharan Africa. Conclusion: In sub-Saharan Africa, less than half of pregnant women were immunized with two or more doses of tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine. Women's education and women's employment positively affected immunization with two or more doses of tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine. Women's age group of 36-49 years, unwanted pregnancy, poor household wealth index, husbands having no formal education, and community illiteracy negatively affected receipt of two or more doses of tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine. Therefore, policymakers should take into account the determinants of tetanus toxoid immunization throughout its implementation so as to boost the coverage of tetanus toxoid immunization in sub-Saharan Africa.

Automated summary

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of immunization with tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa. The results showed that less than half of pregnant women were immunized with two or more doses of the vaccine. Women's education and employment had a positive impact on immunization, while factors such as age, household wealth, husband's education, and community illiteracy had a negative impact. Therefore, policymakers should consider these determinants to improve the coverage of tetanus toxoid immunization in sub-Saharan Africa.