Knowledge regarding post-exposure prophylaxis amongst nurses in an African context

Abstract

Occupational exposure to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among nurses had been reported to be a major challenge in South African and broader African context. There seems to be an increase in the level of exposure and uptake of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in Africa. This had warranted the need to establish a systematic review on the level of knowledge among nurses regarding PEP in the African continent. The search engines used included: EBSco Host (North-West University [NWU] library), Sabinet, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and PubMed. The search was limited to the current decade (2008-2018), including articles that are in English. Keywords used were: 'knowledge' , 'post-exposure prophylaxis/PEP' , 'HIV' , and 'nurs*'. Thematic evaluation to pick out commonalities of the applications covered in this review have been achieved. The themes identified from the review were: poor knowledge regarding PEP, receiving training on PEP for HIV, immediate steps to take after exposure to infected blood, exposure to HIV, and not taking PEP. There is a strong need to increase the awareness and knowledge regarding PEP as well as to implement training programs to train nurses on the process of PEP in healthcare settings, to increase knowledge on PEP, and thereby decrease seroconversion of HIV. y.

Healthcare practitioners and students’ PEP knowledge, attitude and adherence in Southern Africa

“…On the other hand, some studies ( n = 4) highlighted that there is some level of knowledge on PEP. Some studies highlighted that though participants may have known about PEP, they have misconceptions regarding its purpose, administration and intake duration (Bareki & Tenego 2018 ; Makhado & Davhana-Maselesele 2016 ; Makhado & Seekane 2020 ; Mabina et al 2018 ; Rasweswe & Peu 2020a , 2020b ).…”

“…In addition to this, some studies expressed a need for education and knowledge sharing regarding PEP and PEP practices and protocols (Bareki & Tenego 2018 ; Kabotho & Chives 2020 ; Mabina et al 2018 ; Makhado & Davhana-Maselesele 2016 ; Makhado & Seekane 2020 ; Rasweswe & Peu 2020a , 2020b ). Four of the included studies showed the lack of and need for education on PEP protocol for HCPs (Mabina et al 2018 ; Makhado & Davhana-Maselesele 2016 ; Makhado & Seekane 2020 ; Rasweswe & Peu 2020a ). There is a need for educational methods such as information pamphlets, posters and formal education.…”

“…Results show that HCPs have adequate knowledge of PEP in Southern Africa, meaning they know what PEP is and measures to take in case of exposure (Aigbodion et al 2019 ; Bareki & Tenego 2018 ; Kabotho & Chives 2020 ; Makhado & Davhana-Maselesele 2016 ; Makhado & Seekane 2020 ; McDowall & Laher 2019 ; Mossburg et al 2019 ; Mutisya 2021 ; Ncube et al 2014 ; Rasweswe & Peu 2020a , 2020b ). Although this may be true, having heard about it, PEP may not be an accurate measure of knowledge as it does not include knowledge concerning PEP measures and treatment.…”

“…This case would assist in knowledge sharing and adherence if information about PEP was already publicised. Although the more significant majority completed the course of the PEP treatment, a high number of HCPs does not finish treatment because of several reasons that are somewhat justified (Aigbodion et al 2019 ; Bareki & Tenego 2018 ; Makhado & Seekane 2020 ; Ncube et al 2014 ; Sultan et al 2014 ; Chimoyi et al 2022 ). The ill knowledge of PEP procedures shows the importance of follow-ups.…”

“…Theme 3: Adherence towards and practice of PEP ( n = 10) (Aigbodion et al 2019 ; Bareki & Tenego 2018 ; Kabotho & Chives 2020 ; Mabina et al 2018 ; Makhado & Davhana-Maselesele 2016 ; Makhado & Seekane 2020 ; McDowall & Laher 2019 ; Mossburg et al 2019 ; Ncube et al 2014 ; Rasweswe & Peu 2020 , 2021).…”