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Knowledge on occupational exposures and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV among Health Care Workers (HCW) in Kegalle District, Sri Lanka
Authors:
R. W. K. M. D. Rajapakshe ,
STD Clinic, Kegalle, LK
About R. W. K. M. D.
Consultant Venereologist
L. P. Dayananda,
STD Clinic, Kegalle, LK
About L. P.
Medical Officer
N. M. N. J. K. Dharmawardhana,
STD Clinic, Kegalle, LK
About N. M. N. J. K.
Medical Officer
P. J. P. A. Perera,
Base Hospital, Avissawella, LK
About P. J. P. A.
Medical Officer
M. J. F. Yameena,
Teaching Hospital, Kandy, LK
About M. J. F.
Medical Officer
M. G. M. U. Wickramarathna,
STD Clinic, Kegalle, LK
About M. G. M. U.
Public Health Inspector
R. P. A. U. Ratnayaka
STD Clinic, Kegalle, LK
About R. P. A. U.
Nursing Officer
Abstract
Introduction: Health care workers are at a high risk of exposure to blood borne infections including HIV. Therefore, correct and updated knowledge on occupational exposure (OE) and PEP among HCW is mandatory.
Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge on occupational exposures and PEP for HIV among HCW in Kegalle District, Sri Lanka
Method: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out using proportionate quota sampling among 470 HCWs in 4 major hospitals in Kegalle District. Self-administered questionnaire was used to extract data.
Results: Overall, 82.3% had above satisfactory level of knowledge while 19% of them had good knowledge. Nurses were more knowledgeable compared to other categories (p=0.0001). Level of knowledge increased with the service period up to 10 years and then declined. More than half (53%) ever had occupational injury during their working life but only 17% had gone to STD clinic for PEP counselling. Majority (82%) knew the correct timing of initiating PEP but only 34% knew the correct duration of PEP. Only 43% knew that HCW should attend the STD clinic for PEP management. Hep B infection was identified only by 1/3 as having the highest risk of transmission through blood. Only 62% knew about the availability of PEP circular.
Conclusions: Knowledge of HCW on OE and PEP was satisfactory but there were some gaps in knowledge. Importance of starting PEP within 24 hours and continuing for 28 days when recommended should be emphasized.
How to Cite:
Rajapakshe, R.W.K.M.D., Dayananda, L.P., Dharmawardhana, N.M.N.J.K., Perera, P.J.P.A., Yameena, M.J.F., Wickramarathna, M.G.M.U. and Ratnayaka, R.P.A.U., 2017. Knowledge on occupational exposures and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV among Health Care Workers (HCW) in Kegalle District, Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Journal of Sexual Health and HIV Medicine, 3, pp.31–37. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/joshhm.v3i0.60
Published on
27 Dec 2017.
Peer Reviewed
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