Epidemiological Study of non-Neonatal Tetanus during 2017-2018: a Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Although untreated tetanus is a very rare problem in developed countries, it is still a serious challenge in other underdeveloped nations. However, underdeveloped or developing countries such as Afghanistan focus most of their health policies on eliminating and preventing maternal and neonatal tetanus. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of this disease in other geographical and adult areas of the country. Materials and Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional study that investigated non-neonatal tetanus cases during 2018-2017 in Afghanistan. All patients are referred to the Antani Rifal Hospital, one of the largest referral centers for communicable and non-communicable diseases in the Middle East. In all cases, due to the deteriorating condition of the patient, information was obtained from the patient. Finally, we used descriptive statistics including frequency table, mean and percentage to analyze the patients. Results: During the study period 10 patients with non-neonatal cesarean were identified. Of these, 9 were male and 1 was female. Mean age of recognized patients was 19.5 ± 8 years. All patients were from the villages or towns with a lower or middle social class. Nine patients had a history of traumatic or penetrating ulcers, 5 had a foot and 4 had a wound. A history of dog bites and a drug abuse with no trauma or wound were identified. All cases were referred to the hospital with the onset or exacerbation of trismus and painful muscle contraction. All patients received standard treatment and eventually  60% complete remission achieved. Conclusion: The present study clearly addresses the urgent need to provide health-medical programs and policies in developing or under-developing countries for the prevention of tetanus, especially non-communicable tetanus; which is a highly dangerous and potentially preventable disease.