Abstract:

Background: Health care workers are at risk from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and other blood borne infections in their workplace. Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP for HIV aims at reducing the risk of HIV transmission following potential exposure to needle pricks, blood and body fluids. This study investigated the knowledge and utilization of post exposure prophylaxis for HIV exposure among health care workers (HCW).

Methodology: This cross-sectional hospital based study used a structured questionnaire to collect information on the knowledge and utilization of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis among healthcare workers in Temeke district. We used frequencies and percentages in order to analyze the information we gathered from the participants.

Results: More than one third 55 (36.9%) of participants were aged 31-40 years, 78 (52.3%) were females and 53 (35.6%) were nurses. Although 147 (98.7%) of participants were aware of PEP, only 27.2% knew that PEP should be given within 2 hours of exposure. However, the majority, 118 (80.3%) of the participants knew the duration of PEP. Among those who had occupational exposures 88 (59.9%), 72 (81.8%) reported the exposure, 66 (91.7%) were offered HIV testing and 40 (60.6%) received PEP. Among those who did not receive ARVs for PEP, 20 (76.9%) did not receive it because the exposure sources were HIV negative.

Conclusion: This study shows a higher level of awareness on HIV PEP and duration of PEP use though very HWs knew when to start ARVs for PEP. A higher proportion of those who reported their exposure, received testing and counseling for HIV. Use of ARs for PEP following occupational exposure is high in this study.

Recommendations: There is a need to intensify education on PEP among HCWs to increase their awareness and knowledge and train HCWs on universal safety precautions in order to decrease risk of HIV transmission. Further research should be done is order to determine factors that enhance adherence and use of PEP.