Knowledge and Practice of post exposure prophylaxis for prevention of HIV infection among long distance drivers in Mwanza, Tanzania
- Mwanza, Tanzania: Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences [CUHAS – Bugando] 12.09.2022
- x; 37 Pages Includes Refferences and Appendices
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND: An increased risk of HIV infection during practising their activities among long distance drivers has become a major health problem especially in resource poor settings. Long distance drivers are also exposed to unprotected sex, use of sharp piercing tools and IV drug use and other exposures that are risk for the HIV infection. AIM: of the study was to assess the Knowledge and practice of post exposure prophylaxis for prevention of HIV infection among long distance drivers in Mwanza, Tanzania
METHODOLOGY: Cross sectional study was conducted among 361 long distance drivers in Mwanza from May to July 2022.A semi structured questionnaire was used. Data was analysed using SPSS (statistical package for the social sciences). Chi-square and Fischer’s exact tests were performed for determining association between categorical variables value of ≤0.005 was considered as statistically significant.
RESULTS: Significant proportion of long distance 177(49.03%) were aware on the presence of PEP. There was statistical significant association between awareness on PEP and Employment status (P-value,0.005 and 0.0017)respectively, surprisingly only 51%(184)have knowledge on maximum delay to take PEP, length of time to take PEP and one drug used as PEP, there were statistical significant association between age, Employment status (P-value of ≤0.01,≤0.01 and ≤0.01respectively).However majority 96.95% had been exposed have been exposed through to unprotected sex, use of sharp piercing tools and IV drug use but only 4.43%(16)had used PEP.67.59%(244) of Long distance drivers believe that training PEP can lead to behaviour changes as people was increase exposing themselves to HIV risk condition.
CONCLUSION: The majority of long-distance drivers had less knowledge and use of PEP even though majority of respondents had been exposed to HIV from different sources. Therefore, formal training and proper guideline on First Aid and counselling regarding PEP for HIV should be given to the long-distance drivers in Mwanza-Tanzania.
= ABBREVIATION AIDS Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus PEP Post Exposure Prophylaxis PSEP Post Sexual Exposure Prophylaxis SIV Simian Immunodeficiency Virus WHO World Health Organization