Universal precautions: awareness and practice of patent medicines vendors in Enugu metropolis, South East Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: To determine patent medicine vendor's awareness and practice of universal precautions. Methodology: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in Enugu metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria in November, 2008. Three hundred and thirty seven patent medicine vendors were studied using semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaires. Information on awareness and practice of universal precautions were obtained. Results: Two hundred and four (60.5%) of the patent medicine vendors had secondary education. Two hundred and sixty three (78%) were not aware of the concept of universal precautions. Of the 74 who had heard of the concept, the mass media was the source of information for 38 (51.4%) of them. Most (67.7%) of patent medicine vendors treat open wounds and administer injections. The proportion who take some precaution or the other (50.7%), is similar to those who do not (49.3%). One hundred and forty four (42.7%) of them, dispose of used sharps inappropriately. Two hundred and twenty three (66.2%) of them
are aware of the need for appropriate action after a needle prick; i.e., through accessing HIV screening services or consulting a doctor. Conclusion and recommendation: The patent medicine vendor's awareness and practice of universal precautions is poor. Regular training on universal precautions is recommended.

Keywords: Patent medicine vendors, universal precautions, sharps, needle prick.