The Socio-Economic Challenges in Post Neonatal Tetanus

Abstract

Background: Tetanus has remained a major public health problem worldwide although it is a vaccine preventable disease. It is a major contributor to under-five morbidity and mortality globally. Its effect is worse in developing countries such as Nigeria. Aims and Objectives: To highlight the socio-economic challenges in the management of Post neonatal tetanus at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Study Design: A Retrospective Descriptive study. Place of Study: University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Methods: Report of the socio-economic challenges in the management of three consecutive cases of Post neonatal tetanus at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital from February to April 2015 was studied. Data on socio-economic variables were retrieved from case notes of the patients. Results: These were three patients, two females and a male. Their ages were 11 years old of the two females and 14 years old of the male. None was immunized with tetanus toxoid in infancy. All three children survived. They were all from low socio-economic class, two mothers were petty traders while one was unemployed, only one mother had complete secondary education. One mother was immunized in pregnancy, while one mother was married. Conclusions: The socio-economic challenges of tetanus are immense, but could be prevented by simple measures such as education of the girl child, immunization of all school children, raising community awareness among other measures, and strengthening the school health program.