Exploration of factors influencing the insufficient rate of tetanus vaccination among young women in an urban health zone: A cross-sectional study

Tetanus poses a significant health threat, particularly in resource-limited countries. Its prevention is essential at all levels of health, primarily through vaccination. This study helps identify the factors responsible for low tetanus vaccination coverage among women of reproductive age. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 8 randomly selected health areas within an urban health zone and involved 358 women of reproductive age. This study was carried out using a well-structured questionnaire. Among the participating women, 86.3% had received both doses of Td2+ vaccine. The main factors explaining the observed low coverage were the lack of awareness among women by health workers regarding the importance of vaccination, insufficient knowledge of the vaccination schedule (P < .014), the women's occupation (P < .001), nonattendance at antenatal consultations (P < .001), and noncompliance with appointments set by vaccination workers (P < .001). To improve tetanus vaccination coverage in an urban health zone, it is necessary to increase women's awareness of the importance of vaccination, ensure compliance with the vaccination schedule, and ensure that appointments set by vaccination agents are kept.