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Apr 25, 2006Article Details
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Human Immunodeficiency Virus needlestick injury: knowledge and management in a population of Nigerian anaesthetists
Abstract
Objective: To determine the knowledge of HIV transmission and of post exposure management, following an HIVinfected needlestick injury, in a population of Nigerian anaesthetists.
Subjects and Method: A cross-sectional, prospective assessment was conducted voluntarily in anaesthetists at an annual healthcare provider's forum, and at a major general hospital, using a structured questionnaire.
Results: 63 Anaesthetists participated in the study. One anaesthetist knew the percentage of infected HIV needlestick injury that would result in HIV infection. ALL the high risk body fluids were correctly identified by 7 (11.1%) respondents. Twelve (19.0%) knew the correct immediate management when injured by a HIV-infected needlestick. Fifty eight (92.1%) were aware of post exposure prophylaxis (PEP), 25 (39.7%) had a PEP policy in their institutions and 57 (90%) knew when to commence PEP.
Conclusion: Nigerian anaesthetists, though acutely aware of post exposure prophylaxis, are not aware of the fluids at risk and have not demonstrated adequate knowledge in the management, when injured by a HIV-infected needlestick.
Keywords: HIV, needle-stick injury, anaesthetist, knowledge, management
South African Psychiatry Review Vol. 11(4) 2005: 131-133
Subjects and Method: A cross-sectional, prospective assessment was conducted voluntarily in anaesthetists at an annual healthcare provider's forum, and at a major general hospital, using a structured questionnaire.
Results: 63 Anaesthetists participated in the study. One anaesthetist knew the percentage of infected HIV needlestick injury that would result in HIV infection. ALL the high risk body fluids were correctly identified by 7 (11.1%) respondents. Twelve (19.0%) knew the correct immediate management when injured by a HIV-infected needlestick. Fifty eight (92.1%) were aware of post exposure prophylaxis (PEP), 25 (39.7%) had a PEP policy in their institutions and 57 (90%) knew when to commence PEP.
Conclusion: Nigerian anaesthetists, though acutely aware of post exposure prophylaxis, are not aware of the fluids at risk and have not demonstrated adequate knowledge in the management, when injured by a HIV-infected needlestick.
Keywords: HIV, needle-stick injury, anaesthetist, knowledge, management
South African Psychiatry Review Vol. 11(4) 2005: 131-133
