Knowledge about tetanus immunization among doctors in Delhi.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In spite of the clear-cut guidelines regarding tetanus immunization, we have observed that tetanus toxoid injection is often given after injury without considering previous immunization status. One of the reasons for this could be that the doctors themselves are not aware of the correct immunization schedules against tetanus. AIMS: 1. To assess the knowledge about tetanus immunization in relation to injuries among doctors. 2. To assess their knowledge about tetanus immunization schedules in children, pregnant women and adults. SETTING AND DESIGN: It was a cross-sectional study conducted in Delhi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After complete enlisting of all the government allopathic hospitals and dispensaries, a representative sample (including private practitioners from the nearby area of selected dispensaries) of doctors was selected. All the doctors were personally contacted and information was collected through a pre-structured self-administered proforma. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data was analyzed using a computer and wherever applicable Chi-square test/Z test or Fishers' Exact test was applied. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: As many as 38.3% of doctors favored tetanus toxoid injection after every injury. The correct knowledge of immunization against tetanus in children, pregnant women and adults was 75%, 90.8% and 35.8% respectively. The knowledge regarding when to give boosters was even poorer. The present study showed that doctors had poor knowledge about tetanus immunization that needs to be improved.