Assessment of the Knowledge and Practice of Universal Precaution for the Prevention of HIV Transmission by Health Workers in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60787/tnhj.v13i3.105Keywords:
HIV/ AIDS, Universal Precaution, Personal Protective EquipmentAbstract
Background: The increasing prevalence of HIV increases the risk that health workers will be exposed to patients infected with HIV, especially when blood and body- fluid precautions are not followed for all patients. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge of health workers on HIV/ AIDS as well as their practice of universal precaution with regards to HTVI AIDS.
Methodology: This was a cross sectional study conducted among health workers in selected health facilities in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau state in north central Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 104 health workers that are directly involved in patient care from 5 health facilities made up of a General Hospital and 4 Primary Health Centres. The data collection instrument was a structured interviewer administered questionnaire that obtained data on health workers' bio-data, knowledge of transmission of HIV, knowledge on universal precautions, practice of universal precautions, and the prevention of HIV transmission by health workers.
Results: A total of 104 respondents were recruited for the study. The mean age of the health workers was 42.6 ± 7.9years with 69(66.3%) females and 35(33.7%) males. All (100%) of the respondents were aware of HIV/AIDS and 78 (75.0%) knew that the disease has no cure. Modes of transmission that were recognized by the participants included sex [90(86.5%)] pregnancy [55(53.4%)], delivery [85(81.7)]. Most of the respondents were able to identify components of UPs. Hand washing was identified by 85(81.7%), use ofPPE by 83(80.6%), safe collection and disposal of sharps by 99(95.2%) and prevention of injury from sharps by 96(92.3%). Among the respondents 88 (84.6%)practiced hand washing regularly when handling patients / carrying out procedures. General use of Personal Protective Equipment's (PPE) was reported by 85 (81.7%) though consistent use was reported by only 54(63.5%). PPE that are used by the respondents included gloves (93.1%), safety goggles (11.5%), apron (29.8%), boots (18.4%), facemask (25.3%) and gowns (21.8%). Also, 34(32.7%) had experienced splashing of bodily fluids to the mouth, 28(26.9%) splashing to the eye, 38(36.5%) splashing to non-intact skin and 65(63.7%) had sustained percutaneous injury. The devices commonly causing injury included hypodermic needles (52.2%), suture needle (26.1%) and intravenous stylet (14.5).
Conclusion: This study conducted among 104 health workers showed good knowledge of various aspects of HTV/AIDS and UPs. Most were found to use PPE especially gloves, sharp boxes for disposal and regular hand washing. Up 64% had experienced exposures of various types of which less than half had been reported. Periodic re- training of the health workers would be of immense benefit in cultivating safe practices hence reducing the risk of injury and infection.
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