Assessment of Pregnant Women's Knowledge about Tetanus Vaccination at Jiblah University Hospital, Yemen
Sadeq Kaid Mohammed Al-Mohani*, Maria Adel Qasim Al-Habishi, Rehab Sadiq Abdullah Al-Shelh, Abeer Nasser Ali Al-Hajwah, Salsabil Hamood Al-Nassiri, Sara Hamood Ahmed Mukbil and Aisha Badr Al-Din Al-Dimen
ABSTRACT
Background: Maternal and neonatal tetanus remains a major global health problem in developing countries including Yemen. World Health Organization introduced Tetanus Toxoid vaccine as one of the primary vaccines targeting Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus. Uptake of vaccination is dependent not only on providing of the vaccination services but also on other influences including knowledge and practice of women.
Objective: To assess pregnant women's knowledge about tetanus vaccination at Jiblah University Hospital, Yemen.
Methods: The study design was based on a descriptive cross-sectional including 100 pregnant women attending the antenatal care unit at Jiblah University Hospital, using convenience sampling method during March 2024. Data were collected by using structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPPS version 26.
Results: About 80 (80%) of respondents had knowledge of tetanus vaccine and 78 (78%) of them, had received at least one dose of vaccine. Hospitals and health centers were the main source of information. Lack of knowledge about the vaccine and its importance was the most common barrier preventing women from receiving the vaccine. Vaccination status, time of vaccination, and number of vaccination doses were statistically associated with women's knowledge of tetanus vaccine.
Conclusion: The data show a high level of knowledge among the respondents regarding the tetanus toxoid vaccine, with the majority reporting having received the vaccine. Lack of knowledge was a major barrier to vaccination for those who had not received it. Vaccination status, time of vaccination, and number of doses were the main factors influencing pregnant women's knowledge of the tetanus vaccine.
