Background: Members of the public are frequently unaware of tetanus immunisation schedules and its importance in preventing tetanus. This community-based, cross-sectional, complete enumeration, interview-based study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices about tetanus toxoid immunisation amongst the general population in an urban semi-slum area located about 30 kms from Mumbai city in Western India.Methods: Respondents comprised adult residents of either sex, who gave written informed consent to participate in the study. After obtaining approvals, the study was explained during routine home visits and the respondents were interviewed at a time convenient to them. A direct face-to-face interview was conducted using a semi-structured proforma and their responses were recorded and statistically analysed.Results: Of the 161 participants (90 males; 71 females), 16.15% were illiterates. 95.65% thought that a single tetanus toxoid injection was adequate to prevent tetanus while none knew that pregnant women are immunised to protect newborns against tetanus. 67.08% were unaware about the need for maintaining cold chain for storage of tetanus toxoid. 96.89% had received only one injection of tetanus toxoid, irrespective of the type of injury or previous immunisation status. The belief that an adult requires tetanus toxoid after every injury exhibited education-wise significant difference (p=0.02).Conclusion: Sustained and focussed health education efforts are necessary to combat misconceptions regarding tetanus toxoid immunisation.
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