Original Articles TETANUS TOXOID VACCINATION COVERAGE AND REASONSFOR NON-VACCINATION AMONG MARRIED WOMEN INREPRODUCTIVE AGE GROUP OF 15---49 YEARS

Abstract

Back ground & Objective:

Tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccination in pregnancy is a widely used preventive strategy targeting neonatal and perpeureual tetanus. The objective of this study was to assess the coverage rate of TT vaccination among married women in reproductive age group and
reasons for non-vaccination.

Methodology:

A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted at Akhtar Saeed Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore from February to August, 2013. A sample of forty seven (47) married women of reproductive age, fulfilling inclusion criteria was selected by non-probability, convenience sampling. Data was collected on structured questionnaire and was analyzed on SPSS version 20. Chi. Square test was applied to assess association of different factors with non -vaccination status.

Results:

The socio-demographic profile of 47 respondents showed that 17 (36.2%) were illiterate. Large family size of more than 4 family members was showed by 42(89.4%). Results showed that 23(49%) respondents had income of less than Rs.3000/capita/month. Out of total 47respondents, 26 (55.3%) were aware of the name of disease tetanus. Knowledge about availability of vaccine for prevention of disease was present in 25(53.2%). Out of 47 participants, 21 (44.7%) women had the correct knowledge that the disease is transmitted mostly through unhygienic delivery practices. Regarding vaccination status only 29(61.7%) had 2 injections of T.T during their antenatal checkups. However, 18 females (38.3%) never had any tetanus toxoid dose. No significant difference was observed in Tetanus toxoid coverage and education of the respondent (p = 0.35), number of antenatal visits (p = 0.35), place of delivery (p = 0.82) and distance to health facility (p= 0.12).

Conclusion:

The study reveals that tetanus toxoid coverage is very low in illiterate population.