Epidemiological characteristics and risk factors of neonatal tetanus among the offspring of migrant workers in Dongyang, Zhejiang

ObjectiveTo determine the epidemiological characters of and risk factors for neonatal tetanus (NT) among the offspring of migrant workers in Dongyang from 1999 to 2008. MethodsDescriptive epidemiological analysis was performed based on the surveillance data and case investigation materials derived from the NT specific report system in Dongyang from 1999 to 2008. ResultsA total of 124 cases of NT were reported in the city. The cases were present in each month, though peaks were seen from May to October. Newborns of five to nine days were primarily affected, male infants more than female ones, with the sex ratio of 2.18∶1. The cases were mainly distributed in developed towns where floating population concentrated, such as Wuning, Jiangbei, Baiyun, and Hengdian. The infants, being delivered at home by untrained husbands/midwife, were predominant. The proportion of the unvaccinated mothers accounted for 90.32%. ConclusionNon-hospitalized and unclean delivery, as well as lack of health knowledge and poor awareness of immunization, constituted the major risk factors leading to neonatal tetanus.