Knowledge, attitudes and practices of general practitioners in Karachi district central about tetanus immunization in adults

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of general practitioners regarding tetanus immunization in adults. SETTING: The study was conducted in District Central, Karachi. STUDY DESIGN: This was a Knowledge, Attitude and practices [KAP] survey. METHODS: From a list of 1050 general practitioners [GPs], 100 were selected through simple random sampling and interviewed through a written questionnaire. Only 25% general practitioners had adequate knowledge about pre-exposure and 13% both pre- and post-exposure tetanus immunization. All were ready to participate in any program to update their knowledge. Ninety seven% were practicing only post-exposure immunization. In unimmunized patients with history of road side/street injury, 55% started tetanus immunization with tetanus toxoid [TT] only, 43% with Anti Tetanus Serum/Tetanus Immunoglobin [ATS/TIG] and only 2% with both TT and ATS/TIG. Only 13% GPs advised their patients to complete three doses of tetanus toxoid after initial contact. As majority of GPs had poor knowledge and incorrect practices so interventions like seminars and display of immunization protocols in the clinics are recommended