EVALUATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH TETANUS TOXOID VACCINATION AMONG PERSONS AT RISK IN WARRI, DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Adje Ufuoma David PhD*, Mokwunye Joseph B. Pharm and Arute Ejophe John PhD

ABSTRACT

Background: Tetanus remains prevalent in many developing countries possibly due to the fact that the vaccine is often taken haphazardly without regard to guideline recommendations. Objectives: To evaluate level of awareness and compliance with the recommended tetanus vaccine schedule among occupationally exposed persons and pregnant women. Methods: A pretested self-administered questionnaire with Chronbach’s alpha coefficient value of 0.62 was administered to 250 artisans and 150 pregnant women. The questionnaire explored knowledge of benefits of the vaccine and respondents’ compliance with recommended schedules. Descriptive statistics was performed. Data was expressed as frequencies and percentages. Results: The level of awareness and exposure to tetanus vaccine was quite high, 206 (85.5%). However, uptake was suboptimal, 147 (61%). More than half, 158 (65.5%) took the vaccine haphazardly. There was a progressive decrease in rates of uptake of subsequent doses of the vaccine, 57 (23.7%), 25 (10.4%) and 12 (4.98) for start dose, second dose and 3rd dose respectively. The proportion of persons that expressed uncertainty about their tetanus vaccination status was very high, ranging from 44.8% to 78%. Uptake of the vaccine was better among pregnant women than artisans. Rate of booster dose uptake among pregnant was low, 9 (9.68%). Conclusion: Uptake of the tetanus vaccine was suboptimal. Rates of default increased with subsequent doses of the vaccine. Awareness and uptake of the vaccine was higher among pregnant women compared to artisans. The proportion of persons with uncertain vaccination status was high.

Keywords: Tetanus toxoid, Vaccination, Compliance, Adherence, Nigeria.