Al Ameen Journal of Medical Sciences (Jan 2010)
Awareness of Health Care Workers Regarding Prophylaxis for Prevention of Transmission of Blood-Borne Viral Infections in Occupational Exposures
Abstract
Context: There has been a need to assess the awareness of health care professionals regarding post exposure prophylaxis for various blood-borne viral infections. Aims: To study and compare the awareness regarding transmission and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for prevention of transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus amongst medical (Resident Medical Officers- RMOs and Interns) and paramedical professionals (nurses and technicians).Settings and Design: Cross-sectional study at a tertiary health care hospital in Mumbai (INDIA) with a medical college.Methods and Materials: A total of 304 RMOs (Resident Medical Officers), 100 interns, 201 nurses and 50 technicians answered a structured questionnaire. Their responses were analyzed as percentages. Inter-group comparisons were performed using the chi-square method between junior & senior RMOs, RMOs & nurses, RMOs & interns and RMOs & technicians.Statistical analysis used: Chi-square test (p value of <0.05 was considered to be significant).Results: Knowledge about the fact that the exposed site must be immediately washed with soap and water was higher in RMOs and interns (73.03% and 83% respectively) as compared to nurses and technicians (40.8% and 58% respectively). Awareness about the basic and expanded HIV PEP regimens was lower in RMOs (35.2% and 20% respectively) than interns (62% and 24%). Knowledge about whom to contact for PEP was good among the RMOs, interns and nurses (55.9%, 83% and 57.7% respectively) but low amongst technicians (20%). 18.1% of the RMOs, 24% of interns, 19.4% of nurses and 10% of technicians have had prior occupational exposure.Conclusions: Knowledge base of the nurses and technicians lagged behind that of the RMOs. The knowledge of interns was comparable and in many aspects better than that of RMOs. The knowledge base of junior (1st and 2nd year) and senior (3rd and 4th year) RMOs was similar. The study indicates the need to reinforce the knowledge of RMOs regarding various aspects of PEP and to undertake more training workshops for the same amongst nurses and technicians.
