How do Primary Health Care Workers Perceive and Practice Post Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV in Enugu State?

Abstract

Background: Healthcare providers are in constant risk of exposure to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)during their routine practice. This makes it paramount to evaluate their knowledge, attitude and practice of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). Since this will determine their likely line of action if exposed to HIV. Therefore, this study aimed to determine their level of knowledge, altitude and practice of PEP among Primary health care workers in Enugu State. Method: The study was a descriptive cross sectional study conducted in Enugu state, South East Nigeria. Data were collected from 129 health workers in 10 primary health centers using questionnaire adopted from the US guideline for the management of occupational exposure. Data was analysed using SPSS Result: About 86% (111/129) had knowledge of PEP, 92.2% (119/129) agreed that PEP reduces the risk of occupational HIV and 29% (38/129) treated themselves with PEP on exposure aggressively, while 71% (91/129) were not serious with PE treatment. On their practice of PEP, 17.8% (23/129) were frequent, 26.4% (34/129) practice is sometimes, 27.9% (36/129) were regular and 27.9% (36/129) do not practice PEP. Conclusion: The gap between the impressive knowledge or attitude on PEP by the healthcare workers and their poor practices is unacceptable. A study to determine factors that contribute to the poor practices can provide solution on how to improve on their practice and therefore, reduces the risk of getting infected when exposed to HIV.