Knowledge regarding postexposure prophylaxis of HIV among nurses

Abstract:

Fifty nurses working in BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Bharatpur, were selected by probability simple random sampling technique for determining the knowledge level about postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) of HIV among nurses during 2014. A descriptive design, semistructured self-administered questionnaire was used for the study. The study showed that 48% of respondents had knowledge on the meaning of PEP, only 39.39% respondents were aware of the first aid management getting needle prick injury, 60% were aware of the best time to start PEP of HIV and 56% respondents had knowledge about the time schedule of HIV test after exposure. Although the respondents answered most of the questions correctly, they had knowledge deficit in certain areas. The respondents’ knowledge in this regard needs to be improved with time-to-time awareness program and periodic training, which ultimately helps to decrease the transmission of disease and reduces mortality and morbidity.

Keywords::

• needle prick injury
• transmission
• PEP
• HIV

Acknowledgment

The authors heartily acknowledge the members of academic committee, Dr. Vijaya Chandra Acharya and Mrs. Sarojini Sharma of BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Bharatpur, Chitwan, for providing the opportunity to conduct the study.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.