Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is a global public health challenge with 1.9 million infected people in Nigeria. World Health Organization (WHO), stated that post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV can prevent seroconversion after exposure.
Objective: This study assessed the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of post exposure prophylaxis for HIV/ AIDS among healthcare workers (HCWs) in two tertiary hospitals in Enugu.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted and a multistage sampling technique was used to select 543 participants aged 18 years and above from two tertiary hospitals in Enugu. Pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information from the participants. Univariate, Bivariates and Multivariate analysis were performed using Microsoft excel and Epi Info 7 and results were presented in charts, tables and graphs. Associations between variables were determined using Chi square and Odds ratio at 95% confidence intervals. The level of significance was set at p-value of 0.05.
Results: The overall mean age of the respondents was 37.1 ±10.74 years. A total of 305(56.2%) respondents were females, 273 (52%) in UNTH and 333 (61.3%) married. Majority of the respondents, 351 (64.8%), attained first degree higher educational level, and 248 (47.9%) had served 5 years and below. Only 182 (33.5%) respondents have good knowledge of PEP for HIV. Out of 543 respondents, 369 (68%) have positive attitude towards PEP for HIV but with generally poor practice of it. Out of 125/543 (28%) respondents who have ever been exposed to HIV risky conditions; 53/108 (49%) commenced PEP and only 25/53 (47.2%) of those who took it, completed 28 days’ course. Logistic regression analyses revealed that the significant predictors of the respondents’ likelihood of having good knowledge of HIV PEP were attainment of higher educational level (Adjusted OR: 2.2, 95% C.I:1.3.5-4); and working in UNTH (Adjusted OR: 3.4, 95%C. I: 2.3-5.0)]. Again, the predictors of respondents’ positive attitude were good knowledge of PEP for HIV (Adjusted OR: 2.3, 95% C. I: 1.46-3.62); working in UNTH (Adjusted OR: 1.86, 95% C.I: 1.26-2.75) and attaining Master’s Degree and above (Adjusted OR: 1.86, 95% C. I: 1.14-3.04).
Conclusion: Most of the respondents had poor knowledge of PEP for HIV. There was a positive attitude towards PEP. However, poor practice of PEP for HIV, was predominant.
Public Health; Safety; Exposure dynamics; HIV; Healthcare workers; Disease prevention