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Neonatal tetanus in Port Harcourt
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, P.M.B., Nigeria.
African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Neonatal tetanus (NNT) remains a significant concern, with a 46.9% case-fatality rate observed. Despite declining NNT rates, low tetanus toxoid vaccine (TT) coverage in pregnant women highlights critical immunization gaps.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Immunization
Background:
- Neonatal tetanus (NNT) posed a significant public health challenge with a previously reported 60.3% case-fatality rate.
- This study analyzes a 7-year period (1984-1990) focusing on NNT epidemiology and maternal tetanus toxoid vaccine (TT) coverage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess clinico-epidemiological data of neonatal tetanus (NNT) admissions.
- To evaluate the tetanus toxoid vaccine (TT) coverage among pregnant women during the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of neonatal admissions data from January 1984 to December 1990.
- Inclusion criteria: diagnosis of NNT and other neonatal admissions.
- Data collected on total admissions, NNT admissions, neonatal deaths, and NNT deaths.
Main Results:
- Overall NNT case-fatality rate was 46.9%.
- NNT admission rates declined after 1984, with a notable drop from 1988.
- Less than 10% of mothers received two doses of TT in 1990, indicating low vaccine coverage.
Conclusions:
- Despite declining NNT rates, suboptimal maternal TT immunization persists, posing a risk.
- Urgent community-level interventions and further research are needed to address underlying factors affecting immunization.
- Findings highlight the need for improved maternal immunization strategies within national EPI programs.