AWARENESS AND COVERAGE OF TETANUS VACCINE AMONG FEMALE STUDENTS OF KABUL UNIVERSITY IN 2022: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background : The Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine is crucial in preventing maternal and neonatal tetanus, a life-threatening infection caused by Clostridium tetani, which releases toxins that affect the nervous system. In regions like Kabul, Afghanistan, limited access to healthcare and high rates of home births increases the risk of tetanus transmission during childbirth. Immunizing female students with TT vaccines provides long-term protection, reducing potential future maternal and neonatal tetanus cases. This study targets female students as they are likely future mothers, and vaccination at this stage helps establish immunity early, supporting community health and contributing to broader public health efforts to reduce tetanus prevalence.

 Method: The present study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design, targeting female students at Kabul University. The total population of female students at the university was 7,847, from which a sample size of 402 participants was calculated using Epi Info software. A convenience sampling approach was utilized, and data were collected via a structured questionnaire. Subsequently, the data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.

Results: In this study, respondents ranged in age from 17 to 27 years, with an average age of 20 years. Among the participants, 16.1% demonstrated high awareness, 54.7% had moderate awareness, and 29.2% had low awareness regarding the TT vaccine. Notably, 40.8% of the students identified educational centers as their primary source of information on the vaccine. A majority of students (75.1%) reported having received the vaccine, whereas those who had not cited distance from health centers as a primary barrier, with 23.4% of non-recipients indicating this as their reason for not being vaccinated.

Conclusion : In conclusion, the data reveal a moderate level of awareness among students regarding the TT vaccine, with a majority reporting vaccination. Key barriers to vaccination among non-recipients included limited access to health centers, concerns about side effects, insufficient knowledge, prevalent misconceptions, and cultural barriers. Educational institutions, notably schools and universities, emerged as the primary sources of vaccine-related information, highlighting their critical role in awareness and health education.