Awareness about HIV and post exposure prophylaxis among students of a nursing college from central Karnataka: a cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Nursing students are the integral part of health care delivery system in future prospects. The accidental transmission of HIV infection to health care workers is a real threat in present situation. Adequate knowledge about the disease and post exposure prophylaxis will help to provide care to patients and prevent infection at health care settings. The objectives of the study was to assess the knowledge of nursing students about HIV / AIDS and post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and association of knowledge level with the different courses of nursing.Methods: Cross sectional study was carried out among final year GNM and BSc nursing students of a nursing college in central Karnataka during December 2017, Data regarding knowledge about HIV infection and PEP was collected using self administered semi structured questionnaire.Results: Total of 108 nursing students took part in the study. BSc nursing students contributed 66.7% of the study subjects. Mean HIV/AIDS knowledge score was 7.86±2.25. Subjects studying BSc nursing had better knowledge when compared to GNM subjects. Seventy two (66.67%) students had heard about post exposure prophylaxis. Majority were unaware about time of initiation (94.6%) and duration of PEP (86.1%).Conclusions: Knowledge about HIV/AIDS and PEP are inadequate among nursing students. It is recommended to incorporate practical issues effectively in their teaching curriculum.