Does Community Characteristics Influence the use of TT injection during Pregnancy

Abstract

National Rural Health Mission programs initiated in 2005 has contributed significantly in improving the health status of millions of Indians. The targeted direct conditional cash transfer scheme under Janani Surakhsha Yojana saw definite shift in deliveries from home to institution. This shift indirectly contributed in reduction of neonatal deaths as more and more births occurred at an institution under the supervision of trained health care professionals. Each pregnancy under JSY/NRHM is micro planned. Therefore ANC check-ups of pregnant women and services due were followed-up vigorously. Findings suggest that use of Tetanus Toxoid (TT) injection during pregnancy reduces neonatal deaths significantly. Similarly, availability of basic community health care services and amenities positively impacts the survival chance of neonates. The multilevel analysis predicts the community distance to sub-centre health facility as important determinant in explaining variations in the use of Tetanus Toxoid vaccine during pregnancy. Use of 3-ANC checkups increases the likelihood of receiving TT vaccine during pregnancy by 91 percent. Thereby tracking each pregnancy through web based MCTS portal for ANC services due, is extremely important for increase TT coverage and increasing survival chance of neonates.