Awareness of occupational post-exposure prophylaxis against HIV infection among health workers in Nyanza province, Kenya

• Main Authors: Owino, Samuel Omondi, Supattra Srivanichakorn, Bang-on Thepthien, สุพัตรา ศรีวณิชชากร, บังอร เทพเทียน, แซมเอล โอมอนดิ
• Other Authors: Mahidol University. ASEAN Institute for Health Development
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: Awareness; health workers; HIV infection; Occupational post-exposure prophylaxis; Open Access article; Journal of Public Health and Development; วารสารสาธารณสุขและการพัฒนา; ความตระหนัก; บุคลากรด้านสุขภาพ; การติดเชื้อเอชไอวี
• Online Access: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/1538
• Institution: Mahidol University

This study attempts to determine the awareness of occupational post-exposure prophylaxis among health workers in Nyanza province, Kenya. A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data related to knowledge, attitude, availability, and management support of post-exposure prophylaxis. Four hundred and thirteen health workers in rural and urban health facilities responded to this self-administered questionnaire. Eighteen percent of the respondents reported being exposed to at least one kind of occupational risk. The highest percentage (57.9%) of health workers affected by occupational post-exposure prophylaxis was among nurses. The majority (69.7%) of the exposures were caused by needle stick injuries. While 21% were Exposed to the splashing of body fluids on mucous membranes. Health workers in rural areas had a higher awareness than those who worked in urban areas (74.5% versus 67.5%). The chi-square test revealed that the variables associated with level of awareness were attitude and management support. After multiple logistic regression was performed, it was found that a health worker who had a positive attitude and who worked with the support of higher management was more likely to have a high level of awareness (Adj OR 2.82;95% CI 1.50 -5.30 and Adj OR 1.91; 95% CI1.03 – 3.52 respectively). It is recommended that health workers should be encouraged to have a more positive attitude towards their behavior. In addition, a support system should be set up and health workers should use a facility-based review of universal precaution procedures in order to decrease occupational exposure.