Factors Affecting Maternal Knowledge on Tetanus prevention for Newborn among Mothers Receiving Tetanus Vaccination at Family Planning Unit, BMA Medical College and Vajira Hospital

Abstract

Factors Affecting Maternal Knowledge on Tetanus prevention for Newborn among Mothers Receiving Tetanus Vaccination at Family Planning Unit, BMA Medical College and Vajira Hospital

Paungchan        Khleuppanichakul*

Somboon           Boonyakiat         Bsc (Nursing), MED (Health Education)**

Suwanna            Jiravicha*

*Department of Nursing, BMA Medical College and Hospital.

**Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Kuakarun College of Nursing.

Objective: To study the maternal knowledge on tetanus protection of the factors that was associated with the knowledge.

Study design: Descriptive study.

Subjects: One hundred and eighty six mothers delivered a baby at BMA Medical College and  Vajira Hospital got tetanus toxoid vaccine at the family planning unit, BMA Medical College and  Vajira Hospital. The period of the study was between October 2003 to January 2004 (totally 4 months).

Methods: The mothers answered the 15 items questionnaires on the knowledge of tetanus protection in the newborn. The corrected answer will get 1 score and the wrong answer will get 0 score. Score of ≥12 were classified as good knowledge while 10-11 and ≤ 9 were scored as moderate and poor               knowledge respectively. The data analysis included percentage, mean, standard deviation and the chi-square test.

Main outcome measures: The average score of the knowledge on tetanus protection of the newborn.

Results: The average score of the knowledge on tetanus protection of the newborn was in moderate level (mean=10.81). There were 40.9% of mothers who had good knowledge while 29% and 30.1% had moderate and poor knowledge level respectively. There were no statistically significant association between the knowledge level and age, income, education, profession, vaccinated and corrected examination appointment (p>0.05).

Conclusion: The maternal knowledge on tetanus protection of the newborn was in moderate level. The age, income, education, vaccinated and corrected examination appointment were no statistically associated with the knowledge level.

Vajira Med J 2004 ; 48 : 151 - 159