Factors influencing human immunodeficiency virus postexposure prophylaxis requests after low-risk occupational exposure

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the factors influencing human immunodeficiency virus postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) requests after "low-risk" occupational exposure. Methods: We analyzed data from low-risk occupational exposures reported between January 1999 and May 2000. Results: A total of 318 low-risk occupational exposures were reported. No worker demographic variable, exposure method, or exposure type was associated with increased PEP requests. Exposed workers were more likely to request PEP if the source patient was unknown or 18 to 49 years old. No other source patient demographic variable was associated with increased PEP requests. Conclusions: We found that workers who experienced a low-risk occupational exposure were more likely to request PEP when the source patient was unknown or 18 to 49 years of age. No other factors were associated with increased PEP requests.