Determinants of the utilization of the Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccination among women of reproductive age in Uganda

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate factors that influence utilization of the tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccination among women of reproductive age in Uganda. The source of data for the study was the 2006 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS). The independent variable of the study was considered as a woman receiving two or more doses/injections of Tetanus Toxoid. Findings showed that maternal age, residence, education level of the mother and education level of the husband/partner, religion, household wealth index, knowledge about pregnancy related complications and antenatal visits were significantly associated with utilisation of Tetanus Toxoid services at the bivariate level. At multivariate level of analysis, the determinants (logistic regression model) of tetanus toxoid immunization were: knowledge about pregnant related complications (OR = 0.705, p<0.001) and partner/husband’s education level (OR = 1.493, p = 0.038). Basing on the findings of the study, it is recommended that; advocacy for the boy child education, sensitization and rewarding mothers for completing the Tetanus Toxoid immunisation dose should be undertaken to improve on utilisation and attainment of full protection against tetanus.