A Study to Assess the Knowledge Among Nursing Officers Regarding the Management of Post-exposure Prophylaxis of Blood and Body Fluid in Selected Multi-speciality Hospitals of New Delhi

Abstract

Introduction: Nurses are at an increased risk of contracting HIV due to occupational exposure through needle stick injuries and contact with blood or bodily fluids, particularly when caring for HIV-infected patients. As a result, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV has become critical among nurses. Globally, the annual incidence of HIV infection is decreasing, but at the end of 2010, approximately 34 million people were still infected with HIV. In India, with a population of 1.22 billion, it is the second most populous country in the world after China and has the third-largest number of people infected with HIV. According to the HIV Sentinel Surveillance for 2008–2009, an estimated 2.39 million people in India were living with HIV, and Maharashtra ranked sixth among states with the highest HIV prevalence, with 420,000 individuals infected. However, the trend of AIDS-related deaths in India has been declining due to the free antiretroviral medication (ART) program launched in 2004. Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are those who operate in a healthcare setting and are possibly exposed to infectious materials such as blood, tissue, particularly bodily fluids, medical supplies, equipment, or environmental surfaces contaminated with these substances. Objectives: (1) to assess the knowledge regarding the management of PEP working in critical care, emergency, and operation room, (2) the aim is to assess the efficiency of a planned teaching program by comparing the pre-test and post-test scores of a group of staff members. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional design with a one group pre-test and post-test design. It was conducted in a multi-specialty hospital in New Delhi, and 30 participants were selected using a convenient sampling method. Data related to PEP was collected using a pre-designed and pre-tested structured knowledge questionnaire. The differences in responses based on education level were analyzed using Chi-square and Z-tests, with a significance level set at P ≤ 0.05. Result: The mean post-test knowledge score of the nursing officer on the management of PEP is higher (14.9) than the mean of the pre-test knowledge score (7.77). The mean difference in knowledge score is 7.13. The effectiveness of the planned teaching programs was demonstrated by a score of 7.13, indicating a significant increase in the level of knowledge following the program. Conclusion: Most participants were aware of the concept of HIV PEP, but shockingly few nursing officers were familiar with the specifics, such as when to begin PEP, which medications to take and for how long, etc. Hence, the planned teaching program was effective in enhancing the knowledge of nursing officers related to PEP