Work

Tetanus Toxoid Vaccine Uptake and Associated Factors Among Reproductive Age Women in Mogadishu, Somalia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT) remains a major public health concern in Somalia, where health infrastructure is still recovering. Despite the availability of a safe and effective tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccine, coverage remains low. This study aimed to identify factors influencing TT vaccine uptake among reproductive-age women in Mogadishu, Somalia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to July 2025 in Mogadishu, Somalia. A two-stage cluster sampling technique combined with systematic random sampling was used to select 350 households. Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire, and the primary outcome was adherence to at least two doses of the tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccine during pregnancy. Data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression to identify independent predictors of TT vaccine uptake. Results A total of 350 women participated in the study. Coverage of the tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccine was low, with only 19.7% receiving two or more doses during their last pregnancy. Multivariate analysis showed that women aged 36–49 years were more likely to be protected compared to those aged 15–25 years (AOR = 6.62; 95% CI: 1.74–25.21; p = 0.006). Planned pregnancy was associated with higher protection (AOR = 8.35; 95% CI: 3.25–21.45; p < 0.001). Attendance at health centers for antenatal care (AOR = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.18–0.69; p = 0.002), visits by health extension workers (AOR = 8.13; 95% CI: 4.35–15.22; p < 0.001), and good behavior of health workers (AOR = 3.48; 95% CI: 1.15–10.46; p = 0.027) were positively associated with TT protection. Women from households with monthly income below 57 USD were significantly less likely to be protected (AOR = 0.04; 95% CI: 0.01–0.22; p < 0.001). Conclusion TT vaccination coverage among women was low. Older age, planned pregnancy, antenatal care at health centers, visits by health extension workers, and good behavior of health workers were associated with higher protection, while low household income was linked to lower uptake. Strengthening targeted interventions is needed to improve TT coverage.

Source: IJID Regions

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100804

Authors: Amina Abukar Abdulle, Shafie Abdulkadir Hassan

Institution: Jamhuriya University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,380