HIV postexposure prophylaxis in a Tertiary Health Care Institution in southeastern Nigeria: Clients’ characteristics and indications for initiation

Abstract

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has remained an epidemic of public health concern affecting people of all ages and occupation.  Postexposure prophylaxis is useful in prevention of seroconversion in event of occupational and non-occupational exposures to infective body fluids. This
study is aimed at determining the reasons for indications for PEP against HIV in our study centre.

Methods: The study was a retrospective evaluation of the data of subjects that presented for PEP in the Heart-to-Heart HIV Clinic, Federal Medical Centre,  Owerri from January 2008 to December 2013. Results are presented as frequencies and percentages. Chi square test was used to assess  association.

Results: The mean age of the studied subjects was found to be 24.5 years. The age range 15 – 24 (47.6%) and 25–34 years (31.5%) dominated the number  of those presenting for PEP with female gender preponderance (83.6%). Rape constituted the major reason for overall presentation for PEP as  well as non-occupational reason for exposure while needle prick injury was the major reason for occupational exposure (14.3%). Rape, needle prick,  unprotected sex, broken condom, blood contact represented 69.9%, 14.3%, 8.2%, 4.1%, 2.6% and 1.1%, respectively of the subjects presenting for PEP.  Students (secondary school and undergraduate students) represented the bulk of the subjects presenting for PEP and also represented majority of the  rape cases (80.7%).

Conclusion: Rape and needle prick injury represented majority of the cases under study. This finding exposes the vulnerability of the females as well as  healthcare providers. Adequate policy against rape and training on proper handling and disposal of sharp equipment becomes necessary to reduce these  occurrences.