Knowledge and Perception of Tetanus Toxoid Vaccination Among Female Undergraduates in Lagos State University, Nigeria (Published)
Tetanus toxoid vaccine prevents tetanus infection and help to boost the immune response to other vaccines. An adequately immunized woman against tetanus is able to transfer antibodies to her unborn baby which ultimately prevents the disease from occurring in her child during the early infancy period. This study aimed at assessing knowledge and perception of tetanus toxoid vaccination among female undergraduate students in Lagos State University, Ojo. A Descriptive-Cross sectional design was adopted in this study as self-structured questionnaire was used in collecting data from 233 respondents. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software version 26. Frequency tables and percentages was used for the descriptive analysis of the study while Chi-Square was used to test for significant relationship between variables at 0.05 level of significance. The study found that participants had poor knowledge about tetanus toxoid vaccination, with misconceptions about its administration and timing, but held a generally satisfactory perception of the vaccine, rejecting myths about its cost and effects. Less than half had received the vaccine, and many had not completed the full schedule, while a significant relationship was observed between their level of knowledge and perception of the vaccine. The study concludes that while participants have a satisfactory perception of tetanus toxoid vaccination, their knowledge is poor, with less than half having received the vaccine, and there is a significant relationship between knowledge and perception. It was therefore recommended among others that there should be development and implementation of educational campaigns aimed at female undergraduate students to enhance their knowledge, perception and utilization of tetanus toxoid vaccination.
Keywords: Knowledge, Perception, Utilization, tetanus toxoid, undergraduate students