Factors associated with missed opportunities to immunise with tetanus toxoid at a tertiary health institution in Nigeria
Edet, E.E.; Ikpeme, B.M.; Ndifon, W.O.; Oyo-Ita, A.E.
Central African Journal of Medicine 44(8): 199-202
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0008-9176 PMID: 10101419 Document Number: 493631
This report presents the magnitude of the problem and the reason for missed opportunities for tetanus toxoid (TT) immunization at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) in Nigeria. The information obtained will be used in developing a strategy for eliminating missed opportunities in the future. The subjects were all pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinic for the purpose of registering pregnancy during the last two booking days in February 1997 and the first booking day in March 1997. Information were collected from 54 pregnant women by means of exit interview conducted by trained by data collectors. Information obtained includes: dose(s) of TT received and when; record of offer of TT; and acceptance or decline of TT offered. Results of the exit interview showed a 66% prevalence rate of missed opportunity. Factors contributing to this high prevalence of missed opportunity were poor history taking, lack of knowledge of current schedule of immunization, dependence on physician referral for immunization, and an inefficient immunization record keeping system. The findings point out the need to provide physicians in antenatal settings with an update on current immunization policy and practice and for improved documentation of immunization histories.