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Determinants of Utilization of Sufficient Tetanus Toxoid Immunization During Pregnancy: Evidence from the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, 2008–2009

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Abstract

Although the effectiveness of tetanus toxoid (TT) immunization during pregnancy in preventing maternal and neonatal tetanus is well established, in many developing countries, TT immunization programs are underutilized. The objective of this study was to examine factors associated with sufficient TT immunization among postpartum women in Kenya. Population based secondary data analysis was conducted using de-identified data from the 2008–2009 Kenyan Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) for 1,370 female participants who had a live birth during or within 12 months of the cross-sectional survey. Chi-square test and independent sample t test were conducted to assess bivariate associations and a multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine associations before and after adjustment for demographic, socioeconomic, cultural, and access to care factors. The main factors contributing to having been sufficiently immunized against tetanus were lower birth order, higher household wealth index, women’s employment, making joint health-related decisions with a partner, and higher number of antenatal care visits. Implications for health care providers and other professionals involved in development of strategies and interventions aimed at improving immunization rates are discussed.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank ICF International for providing access to the 2008–2009 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey. The authors also thank Dr. Xiaoyun Pan for her valuable comments on the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, P.O. Box 9190, Morgantown, WV, 26506-9190, USA

    Zelalem T. Haile

  2. School of Nursing, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA

    Ilana R. Azulay Chertok

  3. Department of Social and Public Health, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA

    Asli K. Teweldeberhan

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  1. Zelalem T. Haile
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  2. Ilana R. Azulay Chertok
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  3. Asli K. Teweldeberhan
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Correspondence to Zelalem T. Haile.

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Haile, Z.T., Chertok, I.R.A. & Teweldeberhan, A.K. Determinants of Utilization of Sufficient Tetanus Toxoid Immunization During Pregnancy: Evidence from the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, 2008–2009. J Community Health 38, 492–499 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-012-9638-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-012-9638-9

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