Abstract
BackgroundHealthcare facilities in South Africa are confronted by several challenges arising from Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune diseases syndrome infection pandemic. All categories of nurses continue to experience accidental occupational exposure to blood and body fluids (BBFs) of patients who are HIV-positive. Studies conducted revealed that nurses fail to report the occurrence of the exposures. This represents a serious challenge because they contract HIV infections whilst in the process of helping others.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine the occupational exposures and use of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) amongst nurses at the selected tertiary academic hospital, Tshwane district, Gauteng province, South Africa.MethodsA quantitative descriptive study was conducted with 94 male and female clinical nurses, using a self-administered questionnaire that facilitated collection of biographical data, occupational exposures to BBFs and use of HIV PEP. The data analysis included univariate and bivariate descriptive analyses.ResultsOf the 94 nurses, n = 40 (43%) had been exposed to BBFs, either through sharp or needle prick injuries or splashes but only 16 (46%) of them reported the incident. Nurses were not keen to report accidental occupational exposures to BBFs in their own facility and rather sought HIV PEP outside their workplace. They gave different reasons for their behaviour. For example, ‘I did not know where to report’.ConclusionOur study highlights the gaps that exist in reporting occupational exposure to BBFs and obtaining HIV PEP. Therefore, we recommend evaluation of these occupational exposures to BBFs and the management thereof, as well as to address the identified problems.
Highlights
Introduction and backgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a deadly reality in South African healthcare facilities, where people living with HIV are receiving care
Our study highlights the gaps that exist in reporting occupational exposure to blood and body fluids (BBFs) and obtaining HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
A total of 94 (N = 94) clinical nurses who were working in the intensive care unit (ICU), operating theatres (OTs), emergency department (ED) and maternity wards participated in this study
Summary
Introduction and backgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a deadly reality in South African healthcare facilities, where people living with HIV are receiving care. Park (2016) indicates that large numbers of HIV-positive patients in the hospitals are because of increased availability of ART that transforms HIV and Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) to chronic illness This exposes the healthcare workers (HCWs) to the risk of contracting HIV through occupational health hazards whilst taking care of the infected patients. South African nurses, just like in rest of the world, are the major healthcare providers and bear the maximum load of providing care in the medical settings They are at a greater risk of occupational exposure to blood and body fluids (BBFs) infected with blood-borne diseases such as HIV (Dhital, Sharma & Dhital 2017). This represents a serious challenge because they contract HIV infections whilst in the process of helping others
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