Perception of Tetanus Toxoid Immunization among Women in a Niger Delta Community, Nigeria

Aims: To assess the awareness and knowledge of tetanus toxoid (TT) immunization among women in Alakahia, a community in Obio/Akpor LGA, Rivers State in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

Study Design: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in August 2016 among 276 pregnant women and women who had given birth in the last one year in Alakahia community, Rivers State.

Methodology: A cluster sampling method was used and respondents were recruited and interviewed with a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire divided in two sections. Section A was on awareness of TT immunization structured from the WHO cluster form for TT immunization and section B was on knowledge of TT immunization. Descriptive statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package for social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.

Results: The study showed a high level of awareness about TT immunization (73%); however, out of the 201 (73%) women who were aware of TT immunization, 158 (78.6%) had poor knowledge of TT immunization and its schedule while 43 (21.4%) had good knowledge of TT immunization.

Conclusion: Women in Alakahia community lack adequate knowledge of TT immunization and its proper schedule. There is need for increased education at the community level on TT immunization even from adolescence. Adequate knowledge will improve TT immunization coverage which will make maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination achievable.