Awareness and Uptake of Tetanus Toxoid Vaccination Among Females of Reproductive Age in Rawalpindi

Abstract

Objectives: To determine awareness and uptake of tetanus toxoid vaccination among females of reproductive age in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Feb to Sep 2018.

Methodology: A consecutive sample of 400 females completed a structured questionnaire translated into Urdu after giving written informed consent. Females, 15 to 49 years, accompanying patients and seeking healthcare were enrolled, and all those belonging to the category of healthcare providers (doctors, nurses, paramedics, etc.) were excluded.

Results: The study showed that 343(85.8%) women were aware of tetanus disease, and 230(57.5%) knew it could be prevented through vaccination. Only 147(36.8%) knew the correct range of reproductive age in females, 178(44.5%) knew the correct schedule, and 46(11.5%) knew the correct number of injections of tetanus vaccination program given by the World Health Organization (WHO) for females of reproductive age group. Around 321(80.3%) were willing to get vaccinated, and 338(84.5%) were willing to recommend it to other females. The number of females who ever received tetanus vaccination for females of reproductive age was 81(20.25%), out of which 7(1.8%) completed uptake of all five doses.

Conclusion: Our study population was aware of tetanus disease with a positive attitude towards vaccination. However, awareness and uptake of the tetanus toxoid vaccine according to the tetanus vaccination program for females of reproductive age could have been better.
Keywords: Reproductive age, Tetanus, Tetanus toxoid Vaccination.