Due to low vaccination rates, a lack of prenatal care, and unsanitary birth habits, eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT) is a primary goal of public health efforts in low-income nations. Thus, the goal of this study was to evaluate the current situation of maternal tetanus toxoid (TT) immunisation in Pakistan. In all, 80 pregnant women were recruited from the district hospital in Khanewal, Pakistan, during their final trimester. Clinical interviews and an analysis of each participant’s health records were used to determine the prevalence of vaccination.
To analyse the education level, prenatal visits, and sociodemographic characteristics associated with vaccine coverage, a questionnaire-based interview was done. For statistical analysis, a generalised linear model was employed. Seventy-nine percent of pregnant women received two doses of the TT vaccination, whereas 16 percent were unprotected. In all, 66% of pregnant women had two or more prenatal consultations. When compared to no or only one prenatal visit, two and more prenatal visits during pregnancy were linked with significantly higher odds ratios for adequate TT immunisation. Prenatal care on a regular basis can help increase immunisation coverage throughout pregnancy. As a result, lowering the obstacles to attending prenatal care facilities may be critical to meeting the aim of MNT eradication.
Reference: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21645515.2019.1705693
