Practice and Knowledge Level of Health Professionals on Prevention of Tetanus

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge of health care professionals, who will assess tetanus immunization status of patients and implement the vaccine program, and non-health care professionals about tetanus. Methods: This study is a descriptive survey. Interviews were conducted face to face with Antalya Education and Research Hospital staff. Personnel participating in the study were divided into three groups including physicians, nurses and non-health care professionals. The questionnaire contained three sections and 13 questions. Results: Ninety three percentof physicians, 91% of nurses and 76% non-health care professionals knew that tetanus could be a deadly disease (p=0.002). Need for the booster dose after completion of primary vaccination program was known highly in all groups. But 45.7% (137/300) of all participants were vaccinated within the last 10 years. Of these individuals, 32.1% (44) were immunized due to pregnancy and 45.2% (62) due to injury; only 21.6% (31) followed a vaccination program. 73% of physicians, 64% of nurses and 44% of non-health care professionals knew the indication of tetanus immunoglobulin application. Statistically significant difference was observed between the groups (p=0.001). 61% of physicians, 80% of nurses and 64% of non-health care professionals think that a single dose prophylaxis should be applied regardless of previous vaccination with an open dirty wound. Conclusion: In this study, it was found that the general level of knowledge of health care professionals, who will apply immunization, about tetanus is adequate, but they do not have sufficient knowledge about vaccination program and the correct application of tetanus prophylaxis in acute injuries. At the same time, lack of transformation of knowledge into attitude was detected among health care professionals.