Determinants of appropriate knowledge on human immunodeficiency virus postexposure prophylaxis among professional health-care workers in Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction:The prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/AIDS) among health-care workers (HCWs) has remained a major topical issue worldwide. Accidental transmission of HIV infection to HCWs during occupational exposure is a real threat today. The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) among HCWs in a tertiary health institution in Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria.Methodology:The study was carried out at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, through a cross-sectional descriptive study design; a total of 156 participants were recruited using a stratified sampling technique. Data were collected using a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS computer software after obtaining ethical clearance from the Health Ethics and Research Committee of the teaching hospital.Results:A total of 87.2% (136) of the respondents had heard of PEP and 71.8% (112) thought that HIV/AIDs could be prevented through PEP. A total of 71.2% (111) had good knowledge about PEP, whereas 86.8% (118) had a positive attitude toward PEP.Conclusion:Although the study demonstrated high knowledge and positive attitude toward PEP, the observance of safety measures against needlestick injuries that could result in HIV infections was abysmally low. There is the need to create more awareness and strengthen the use of PEP protocol by all cadres of health workers as this will go a long way in minimizing blood-borne infections.

Health Care Worker Perception on HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and Service Delivery among Health Care Workers in South-East Nigeria

“…Greater than 75% of study participants had completed their bachelor degree or medical doctor; this higher level of education may explain the higher knowledge demonstrated by our participants. However the year of experienced of individual might also be a contributing factor to good knowledge of the respondents as more than two third of the respondents had year of practice of 2 years and above, this findings is similar to the submission of (Oche et al, 2018).…”

“…This is not unexpected given the respondents' educational background and occupational setting. This is similar though slightly lower than that reported among HCWs at Lagos University Teaching Hospital where 83.3% had prior awareness about PEP and (91.7% and 87.2%) were aware of universal health precautions and HIV PEP, respectively reported by (Oche et al, 2018) and 97% as reported by (Rotimi, 2012), finding in Western Ethiopia also report 92.8% of respondents had heard about PEP (Mathewos et al, 2013). Among the respondents that are aware of PEP, only 46.2% got to know of it from their workplace.…”

HIV/AIDS post‐exposure prophylaxis knowledge and uptake among health professionals in Africa: Systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…The 37 studies [22–59] included 6482 participants. All of the included studies were cross‐sectional studies and the sample size ranged from 66 [35] to 401 [45].…”

HIV Non-Occupational Post Exposure Prophylaxis in Nigeria: A Review of Research Evidence and Practice.

“…4 However, the National Guideline for HIV Prevention, Treatment and Care by the Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria, provides a detailed guideline on nPEP following sexual assault. 18 Unlike occupational exposure, [19][20][21][22][23] studies have shown that sexual assault accounts for most nonoccupational exposure to HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. 24,25 Among adults living with HIV in Nigeria, women accounted for an estimated 55.56%.…”