Abstract
Knowledge is a crucial aspect of nursing. Nurses, just like any other healthcare workers (HCWs), are empowered with the knowledge of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Postexposure Prophylaxis (PEP) protocol to be followed, including post-exposure to blood and body fluids (BBFs). The utilization of HIV PEP demonstrated its capabilities to prevent HCWs from HIV infections. However, the practice in healthcare settings remains a challenge, as many HCWs do not adhere to the protocol. This study investigated how knowledgeable nurses are about HIV PEP in the era of controlled and stable HIV prevalence. Ninety-four nurses completed a self-administered questionnaire to provide information. A biostatistician assisted with data analysis, using Microsoft Excel converted to the STATA 13 format. Most (77.0%) were female with a mean age of 30 ± 9 years. The degree of knowledge was low, although the results showed that 90.43% of nurses had been informed about HIV PEP. Eighty (84%) did not know where to access HIV PEP, and (55.32%) were unaware of HIV PEP guidelines. A comparison between knowledge and work experience revealed that those with five years and less experience are less knowledgeable. There is a need to improve nurses’ knowledge of HIV PEP to reduce the risk of HIV acquisition from work-related activities.
Highlights
It is well known that knowledge is power [1,2,3]
South African nurses are at risk of occupational exposure, since the country is still heavily affected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections
The results further showed that being more experienced had a strong association with the knowledge and understating that HIV Postexposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is a short-term medical therapy to prevent the spread of HIV infection (Chi-square = 170.0244; p-value = 0.0039 < 0.05) and that, as immediate first aid after exposure to hazardous blood and body fluids, health care workers should wash the affected area with clean water and soap (Chi-square = 47.06067; p-value = 0.0001 < 0.05)
Summary
It is well known that knowledge is power [1,2,3]. The power in knowledge gives one confidence to practice without fear. Just like any other people, need knowledge to be empowered in performing procedures and activities within their practice. Knowledge is drawn from a range of sources, which are embedded in theory and practice. Nurses use their acquired knowledge to justify actions or stop unsafe practices to protect and prevent occupational infections such as. South African nurses are at risk of occupational exposure, since the country is still heavily affected by HIV infections.
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