Knowledge on occupational exposures and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV among Health Care Workers (HCW) in Kegalle District, Sri Lanka

R W K M D Rajapakshe,P J P A Perera,M J F Yameena,R P A U Ratnayaka,N M N J K Dharmawardhana,M G M U Wickramarathna,L P Dayananda

doi:10.4038/joshhm.v3i0.60

R W K M D Rajapakshe, P J P A Perera + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4038/joshhm.v3i0.60

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Abstract

Introduction: Health care workers are at a high risk of exposure to blood borne infections including HIV. Therefore, correct and updated knowledge on occupational exposure (OE) and PEP among HCW is mandatory. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge on occupational exposures and PEP for HIV among HCW in Kegalle District, Sri Lanka Method: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out using proportionate quota sampling among 470 HCWs in 4 major hospitals in Kegalle District. Self-administered questionnaire was used to extract data. Results: Overall, 82.3% had above satisfactory level of knowledge while 19% of them had good knowledge. Nurses were more knowledgeable compared to other categories (p=0.0001). Level of knowledge increased with the service period up to 10 years and then declined. More than half (53%) ever had occupational injury during their working life but only 17% had gone to STD clinic for PEP counselling. Majority (82%) knew the correct timing of initiating PEP but only 34% knew the correct duration of PEP. Only 43% knew that HCW should attend the STD clinic for PEP management. Hep B infection was identified only by 1/3 as having the highest risk of transmission through blood. Only 62% knew about the availability of PEP circular. Conclusions: Knowledge of HCW on OE and PEP was satisfactory but there were some gaps in knowledge. Importance of starting PEP within 24 hours and continuing for 28 days when recommended should be emphasized.

Highlights

Health care workers are at a high risk of exposure to blood borne infections includingHIV
43% knew that HCW should attend the STD clinic for Post ExposureProphylaxis (PEP) management
Only 17% of them had gone for PEP counseling services following injury.Only 18.5% participated in an education session on PEP within previous year. (Table 3)

Summary

Introduction

Health care workers are at a high risk of exposure to blood borne infections includingHIV. Health care workers are at a high risk of exposure to blood borne infections including. Correct and updated knowledge on occupational exposure (OE) and PEP among HCW is mandatory. Health care workers are at a high risk for exposure to infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C as they expose themselves to blood and body fluids while working in the health care settings. HCWs belong to 6 categories; doctors, nurses, midwives, laboratory technicians, minor staff and janitorial workers who were working at the period of study were selected. There are effective Antiretroviral drugs which are used as PEP to prevent HIV infection after high risk exposure. (2,3) health care workers must be aware of what is a risky occupational exposure, what to do when exposure happens, whom to inform, where to go for assessment and prophylactic treatment.

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