Knowledge and Practice About Complete Immunization by Tetanus Toxoid of Women of Reproductive Age

Abstract

Background: Bangladesh has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with widely prevalent maternal tetanus. Tetanus is an acute infectious non-communicable disease caused by bacteria Clostridium tetani. Women exposed to the organism during pregnancy or within 6 weeks after delivery are liable to develop maternal tetanus. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and practice about complete immunization by tetanus toxoid (TT) of the women of reproductive age in Rajshahi, Bangladesh. Methods: This was a cross sectional type of descriptive study. Total sample size was 300 which was selected purposively. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 27.98 (SD ± 8.37) years. Majority (48.0%) of the respondents had up to higher secondary level of education and 40% were house wives. The average monthly income of the family was BDT 18221.67 (SD ± 11414.87). Regarding recipient of TT vaccine in EPI programme, maximum respondents (98.7%) mentioned women of reproductive age, concerning the time to start TT vaccination, 69% had knowledge regarding this. Most of the respondents (98%) had idea regarding the route of administration of TT vaccine, 62% had knowledge on the dose of TT vaccine in pregnancy if TT was taken previously. The age groups, monthly family income, educational level of the respondents were significantly associated with full course of TT vaccine taken by the respondents, knowledge on total doses of TT vaccine (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Majority of females did not have proper knowledge regarding vaccination. Effective media campaigns on maternal tetanus vaccination should be carried. Lady health workers should be mobilised effectively to increase the vaccination coverage.