مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Opinions of the obstetrics and gynecology specialists about tetanus vaccination in pregnancy

Abstract :

Aim: Tetanus vaccination of the pregnant women is one of the most effective methods in preventing maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT). In this report, the views and practices of private obstetrics and gynecology specialists about tetanus vaccination in pregnancy are investigated.Materials and Methods: The population of this descriptive study consisted of 174 private obstetrics and gynecology specialists who are registered at the Medical Chamber in the Konak district of Izmir in 2007. One hundred and fifty physicians volunteered to participate in the research (participation rate: 86.2%). The data collected by questionnaire form included 22 questions and were prepared by the researchers. The SPSS 12.0 statistical program was used in the analysis of the data.Results: 37.3 % of the obstetrics and gynecology specialists have worked for 5-9 years and 96.7% of them have been working in an institution other than their consulting rooms. MNT is seen as a priority issue by 54.7% of the physicians, and all of them think that immunisation against tetanus is insufficient in Turkey. 98.7% of the physicians recommend the tetanus vaccine for pregnant women. 57.3% of them do not administer the tetanus vaccine in their consulting rooms, and direct pregnant women to family health centers. In the prevention of MNT, 32.2% of them suggest that there should be widespread immunisation, 24.5% of them believe that births should be performed in hospital, and 12.8% of them recommend to raise the awareness of the society.Conclusion: The obstetrics and gynecology specialists think that immunisation for preventing MNT is important and they highly recommend it for pregnant women.