Evaluation of Tetanus Vacination Status of Pregnant Mothers Referring to Delivery Wards, Yazd

Tetanus is a serious infectious disease and the most common cause of neonatal mortality in developing countries. Although neonatal tetanus (NT) can be prevented by immunization of expectant mothers, good hygiene and asepsis during delivery, total eradication of organism is not possible.

The cross-sectional study was done on 480 pregnant women after delivery. Data was collected by a questionnaire and analysed using SPSS windows software program.

Prenatal immunization rate (complete and partial) was 65/2% and 34/8%, respectively. There was a significant relationship between the vaccination status and age, education of mother, parity and length of time between pregnancy and previous pregnancy. The reasons reported by non immunized mothers (not receiving the two dose vaccine) included complete tetanus vaccination coverage before pregnancy, lack of awareness about the needs for vaccination, improper counseling by persons responsible for antenatal care, e.t.c.

Considering the results of the study, it is proposed that a complete history of the pregnant woman recorded at the first antenatal visit should be the basis of counseling and education of the woman and prenatal care staff should be also be fully educated.