Assessment of knowledge and usage of HIV post exposure prophylaxis among healthcare workers in a regional hospital in Ghana

Abstract

# Background Post exposure prophylaxis remains the single most important means of decreasing HIV infection upon occupational exposure. It offers over 80% protection against HIV sero-conversion when initiated within 72 hours of exposure and if the treatment regimen followed diligently for 28 days. This study assessed the level of knowledge and usage of post exposure prophylaxis among healthcare workers in the Eastern Regional Hospital, Koforidua, Ghana where HIV prevalence is high. # Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 185 HealthCare Workers (HCWs) between May and July 2016. Data was collected using self-administered structured questionnaires and analyzed with Stata-13. Bivariate associations were tested using chi-square or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. Multivariate analysis was conducted with logistic regression. A *P*-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. # Results Out of the 185 HCW interviewed, 96.8% considered themselves at risk of occupational exposure with 83.2% reporting occupational exposure within the last 12 months. Nearly all participants (97.3%) knew about the existence of post exposure prophylaxis (PEP). A majority (90.8%) acknowledged the effectiveness of PEP in preventing HIV infection. About 89% knew that the exposed area should be washed with soap and water or flushed with copious amounts of water and 65.4% knew whom to contact after exposure. Although about 93% knew PEP should be started within 72 hours of exposure, only 38.9% knew the duration of treatment to be four weeks. The accurate drug regime following a high-risk needle stick injury was known by 25.1% while the proportion of needle stick injuries could result in HIV transmission was unknown by 65.9%. Although 51.9% were eligible to take PEP, only 33.8% reported having received PEP. # Conclusions Despite high levels of knowledge of the effectiveness of HIV PEP, the appropriate first aid to perform and the time of commencement of PEP, Usage of PEP was low among HCWs despite the high prevalence of occupational injuries. Training to prevent occupational exposure, increase the level of knowledge and use of PEP is recommended.