Analysis of non-compliance with the tetanus and diphtheria vaccination schedule among pregnant women in the Bandundu Kwilu urban-rural health zone/D.R. Congo

Abstract

Maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT) is a highly contagious disease that mainly affects low-income countries and populations deprived of access to health services. There is no immunity against tetanus, which means that the only method of prevention remains anti-tetanus vaccination, which must be carried out properly to be effective. The overall aim of this study is to help reduce the number of pregnant women who fail to comply with the Td vaccination schedule in the health zone, by identifying the causes of this non-compliance. The target population is made up of all pregnant women living in the Lwani health area, chosen for this study using the survey method. This is a quantitative, prospective, descriptive-transversal study with an analytical focus, within the framework of public health, mainly in the field of vaccination. The results of this study is as follows: the majority of women did not comply with the vaccination schedule in the Lumbu health area, 42 pregnant women out of 109, i.e. (38.53%), followed by women in the Disasi health area, 26 pregnant women out of 109, i.e. (23.85%), 22 pregnant women out of 109, i.e. (20.18%) are in the Bekane health area and finally 17.43%, i.e. 19 pregnant women in the Mushi Pentane health area. Non-compliance with the tetanus and diphtheria vaccination schedule is associated with various socio-economic factors, markers of inequality, as well as women's low level of knowledge about the use of vaccination services and the virtual absence of dialogue between partners.