Factors Associated with Uptake of Tetanus Toxoid Vaccine among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at Nyamagana Health Centre Mwanza-Tanzania

Background: Maternal and neonatal tetanus remains a public health problem in low- and middle-income countries despite increasing investment in tetanus toxoid vaccines TTV). Tanzania still records fatalities from tetanus, predominantly in women of reproductive age and newborns. We aim to determine the factors associated with low uptake of tetanus toxoid vaccine among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at Nyamagana Health Centre in Mwanza, Tanzania Method: A prospective cross-sectional health facility-based study was conducted. A total of 383 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at Nyamagana Health Center in Mwanza, Tanzania, were recruited using simple random sampling. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Data were recorded in Microsoft Excel, cleaned, and analyzed using STATA version 14. Results: The predominant age of the respondents was 21–26 years 34.7%). A total of 245 64%) participants were married. A total of 172 44.9%) participants had secondary education. Overall, 226 59.01%) of participants were unaware of the number of doses of tetanus toxoid TT) vaccine required during pregnancy, and 205 53.50%) were unaware of tetanus immunization. Notably, 178 46.48%) of respondents did not know the importance of receiving the tetanus toxoid TT) vaccine. There was a significant relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and awareness of the importance of the TT vaccine. Conclusion: Pregnant women in Nyamagana Health Center, Mwanza, Tanzania, are not receiving the recommended TT vaccinations and lack awareness of their importance. Efforts are needed to educate expecting mothers and increase vaccination rates.