A 6-year review of Post-Neonatal Tetanus at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto

Background: Tetanus is a vaccine-preventable disease but its incidence has remained unacceptably high in developing countries. Objective: To determine the prevalence, risk factors and outcome of post-neonatal tetanus at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study from 1st January 2010 to 31st December 2015. Children aged 1 month to 15 years diagnosed with post-neonatal tetanus were studied. Information from the admission files was extracted. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20. Results: Total admissions during the study period were 14,458; 61 had post-neonatal tetanus, giving a prevalence of 0.4%. The M: F ratio was 1.5:1. The mean age was 7.4±3.2 years. Fifty-nine (96.7%) were not immunised against tetanus. Portal of entry for the organism was trauma injuries to the foot in 33(54.1%). Thirty-one (50.8%) were discharged, 5(8.2%) DAMA, while 25(41.0%) died, and case fatality was 41.0%. Conclusion: Post-neonatal tetanus is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Sokoto. There is need for improved health education, sustainability of immunisation programmes and coverage to eradicate this scourge.