TITLE:
The Socio-Economic Challenges in Post Neonatal Tetanus
AUTHORS:
Yaguo Ide Lucy Eberechukwu, Bolum-Okolie Nwamaka Angela
KEYWORDS:
Post-Neonatal Tetanus, Socio-Economic Challenges, Immunization, School Health Program
JOURNAL NAME:
Modern Economy,
Vol.6 No.12,
December
30,
2015
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.