Prevalence and determinants of antenatal tetanus vaccination in Sudan: a cross-sectional analysis of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey

Background Tetanus vaccination is an indispensable component of the antenatal care (ANC) and is considered one of the most effective and protective measures against tetanus deaths. However, data on antenatal tetanus vaccination in Sudan are scarce. We aimed to explore the level of antenatal tetanus vaccination and to identify the influencing factors in a nationally representative population sample. Methods We used the latest available data (2014) of the Sudan Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), developed by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). We assessed the level of antenatal tetanus vaccination among women of childbearing age who gave at least one birth preceding the survey and defined adequate antenatal tetanus vaccination according to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results The total number of women of childbearing age involved in this analysis was 5433. Most of the participants (28.6%) were 25–29 years old, and vast majority of them (73.7%) live in rural areas. The prevalence of mothers who had adequate tetanus vaccination was 60.0%. Antenatal tetanus vaccination was significantly associated with higher level of mothers’ education (AOR = 1.70, 95% CI 1.25–2.32), higher household wealth index (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.41–2.54), having four or more ANC visits (AOR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.30–1.71), and living in areas with low intensity of armed conflicts (AOR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.14–1.57). Conclusions Socioeconomic status had a significant impact on adequate antenatal tetanus vaccination. The results indicate the existence of variable rates and unequal access to tetanus vaccination among women of childbearing age in Sudan.

Tetanus: A Rare Complication of Black Tar Heroin Use

Tetanus is associated with high morbidity and mortality, though rarely encountered in high-income countries. We present a case of tetanus in an unvaccinated patient secondary to black tar heroin use that highlights the importance of consideration of tetanus in appropriate clinical contexts, harm reduction interventions and universal tetanus vaccination campaigns.

Diphtheria And Tetanus Vaccination History Is Associated With Lower Odds of COVID-19 Hospitalization

BackgroundCOVID-19 is characterized by strikingly large, mostly unexplained, interindividual variation in symptom severity: while some individuals remain nearly asymptomatic, others suffer from severe respiratory failure. Previous vaccinations for other pathogens, in particular tetanus, may partly explain this variation, possibly by readying the immune system.MethodsWe made use of data on COVID-19 testing from 103,049 participants of the UK Biobank (mean age 71.5 years, 54.2% female), coupled to immunization records of the last ten years. Using logistic regression, covarying for age, sex, respiratory disease diagnosis, and socioeconomic status, we tested whether individuals vaccinated for tetanus, diphtheria or pertussis, differed from individuals that had only received other vaccinations on 1) undergoing a COVID-19 test, 2) being diagnosed with COVID-19, and 3) whether they developed severe COVID-19 symptoms.ResultsWe found that individuals with registered diphtheria or tetanus vaccinations are less likely to develop severe COVID-19 than people who had only received other vaccinations (diphtheria odds ratio (OR)=0.47, p-value=5.3*10-5; tetanus OR=0.52, p-value=1.2*10-4).DiscussionThese results indicate that a history of diphtheria or tetanus vaccinations is associated with less severe manifestations of COVID-19. These vaccinations may protect against severe COVID-19 symptoms by stimulating the immune system. We note the correlational nature of these results, yet the possibility that these vaccinations may influence the severity of COVID-19 warrants follow-up investigations.

Assessment of knowledge about Tetanus Diphtheria vaccination of patients with trauma among medical interns: an analytical cross sectional study

Introduction: Considering the importance of tetanus vaccination in children and adults, recognizing the necessities and priorities of tetanus vaccine injection is essential for health care providers. Medical interns have a crucial role in treating patients at hospitals and as future physicians. This study aims to evaluate Tabriz University of Medical Sciences medical interns' knowledge about tetanus vaccination in patients with trauma. Methods: All interns of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences enrolled in the study. Interns who did not want to participate in the study and those on-call were excluded from the study. Eventually, 250 interns gathered in a conference hall, and a questionnaire of 10 questions was presented to them as a hypothetical traumatic event. Correct and incorrect answers to each question, age, and gender were analyzed. Results: Only in three questions, more than half of the participants answered correctly. These were questions 10, 1, and 2, with 67.2%, 59.2%, and 50.8% of participants answering them correctly, respectively. Also, in 5 questions, less than 20% answered correctly. The maximum overall score was 7. Analysis of these results between the two sexes did not show a significant difference in the number of correct answers and the percentage response to each question. Additionally, age was not indicated as a variable involved in the total score of the participants. Conclusion: Regardless of the age and gender, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences’ medical interns’ knowledge about the precise indications of tetanus prevention in adults and children is poor.

WHO recommendation and India’s practice on tetanus vaccination—How much is too much?

Tetanus is one of the dreaded fatal diseases which is of public health importance. Reducing the morbidity and mortality due to tetanus, especially maternal and neonatal, is one of the major aims of health organizations around the world. Vaccination against tetanus is one of the most salient interventions. In order to ensure the unerring vaccination practices, the World Health Organization has been updating its position papers on all vaccines. To enable India to follow the appropriate vaccine policy, this article highlights the category and situation-based schedule of tetanus toxoid vaccination.

Factors associated with maternal tetanus vaccination in Myanmar: An analysis of Demographic and Health Survey data

BackgroundTetanus toxoid vaccination is a life-saving maternal and child health intervention. Understanding gaps in maternal vaccination coverage is key to informing progress towards universal health coverage. We assessed maternal tetanus vaccination coverage in Myanmar and investigated factors associated with being unvaccinated.MethodWe analysed 2015-16 Demographic and Health Survey data including women aged 15-49 years with at least one childbirth in the last five years. The outcome was self-reported receipt of tetanus vaccine at least once during the last pregnancy. We used logistic regression models to assess factors associated with being unvaccinated.ResultsOverall maternal tetanus vaccination coverage was 85.7%. Sub-national coverage was lowest in the predominantly ethnic minority states of Shan, Kayin, and Chin at 69.6%, 77.4%, and 79.9%, respectively. Factors associated with a lack of vaccination were: not receiving antenatal care (odds ratio (OR): 18.99, 95% confidence interval (CI): 14.21, 25.39); receiving antenatal care at home (OR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.46, 2.88), private and non-governmental organization clinics (OR: 2.88, 95% CI: 1.81, 4.58, compared to public facilities); and not wanting to go to a health facility alone (OR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.14, 2.06). Higher educational attainment was associated with lower odds of being unvaccinated (OR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.32, 0.70 for secondary relative to no education).InterpretationWe identified regional, structural, and individual differences in maternal tetanus vaccination coverage. Achieving universal coverage of maternal tetanus vaccination will largely depend on the ability to provide accessible antenatal care to most women who do not currently receive it.