AN ASSESSMENT OF FEMALE UNDERGRADUATES' KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTIONS AND WILLINGNESS TO RECEIVE TETANUS TOXOID VACCINATION AT LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY

Tetanus remains a serious public health concern, particularly among women of reproductive age and newborns, due to the potentially fatal complications associated with infection. Tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccination provides effective protection against tetanus and enables immunized pregnant women to transfer protective antibodies to their unborn babies, thereby preventing maternal and neonatal tetanus. This study assessed the knowledge and perception of tetanus toxoid vaccination among female undergraduate students at Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted, using a self-structured questionnaire to collect data from 233 respondents. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to analyse the study variables, while the Chi-square test was employed to determine significant associations at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that respondents had poor knowledge of tetanus toxoid vaccination, with misconceptions regarding its administration and recommended dosage schedule. However, their perception of the vaccine was generally satisfactory, as most respondents rejected common misconceptions concerning its cost and possible effects. Less than half of the respondents had received the vaccine, while many had not completed the recommended vaccination schedule. Furthermore, a statistically significant relationship was established between respondents' knowledge and perception of tetanus toxoid vaccination. The study concludes that despite the generally satisfactory perception of the vaccine, inadequate knowledge and suboptimal utilisation remain major concerns. It therefore recommends targeted health education programmes and awareness campaigns to improve knowledge, correct misconceptions, encourage vaccine uptake, and promote completion of the recommended vaccination schedule among female undergraduates.