Characterization of vaccination against tetanus in women fertile in medicine career of Universidad Tecnológica of Pereira, Pereira, Colombia, 2011

Introduction: Tetanus worldwide disease caused by the exotoxin of Clostridium tetani, is easily preventable with proper immunization. The objective of this study was to determine the current status of tetanus immunization and biohazard practices of women to the school medicine at the Universidad Tecnologica of Pereira. Methods: Cross sectional study in a population of women of fertile age. In a random sample of 75 women, were obtained sociodemographic variables, vaccination history, obstetric, and exposure to biological risk factors. Quantitative variables were summarized as means with standard deviations ( SD). Qualitative variables were summarized as proportions or prevalence with corresponding confidence intervals (95%). Results: A total of 68 women, mean age 23.3 ± 5.2 years (range 15-44 years). 57.3% had vaccination card, 43.7% had a complete scheme. 63.2% used sharps and 90% use methods of biosafety. Discussion: The tetanus immunization status is below of the national average reported; ignorance is also against the use of vaccination and biosafety methods.