Search

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) have an increased risk of occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Aims/objectives: We aim to examine the utilisation and outcome of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for both HIV and hepatitis B (HBV) among HCWs. Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted in a tertiary hospital in North-Western Nigeria. We reviewed data on HIV or HBV PEP given to HCWs between 2004 and 2016. Results: A total of 115 HCWs presented for PEP during the study period. Intern doctors were the most exposed group (40/115; 34.8%). There were 86/115 (74.8%) needle stick exposures. While 53/115 (46.1%) of the sources of exposure were HIV-positive, 9/115(7.83%) were HBV-positive. Zidovudine-based regimen (40/70) was the most commonly prescribed. No seroconversion occurred among those that completed PEP treatment and follow-up. Discussion: No seroconversion occurred among those that received either or both HIV and HBV PEP and completed PEP treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthcare acquired infections (HCAIs) otherwise call nosocomial infection is associated with increased morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients and predisposes healthcare workers (HCWs) to an increased risk of infections. The study explores the knowledge and practices of infection control among HCW in a tertiary referral center in North-Western Nigeria., Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. A self-administered structured questionnaire was distributed to the study group (of doctors and nurses). Data on knowledge and practice of infection control were obtained and analyzed. Study population were selected by convenience sampling., Results: A total of 200 responses were analyzed, 152 were nurses while 48 were doctors. The median age and years of working experience of the respondents were 35 years (interquartile range [IQR] 31-39) and 7 years (IQR 4-12), respectively. Most of the respondents 174/198 (87.9%) correctly identified hand washing as the most effective method to prevent HCAI, with nurses having better knowledge 139/152 (91%) (P = 0.001). Majority agreed that avoiding injury with sharps 172/200 (86%), use of barrier precaution 180/200 (90%) and hand hygiene 184/200 (92%) effectively prevent HCAI. Only 88/198 (44.4%), 122/198 (61.6%), and 84/198 (42.4%) of the respondents were aware of the risks of infection following exposure to human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus-infected blood, respectively. About 52% of doctors and 76% of nurses (P = 0.002) always practice hand hygiene in between patient care., Conclusion: Gaps have been identified in knowledge and practice of infection control among doctors' and nurses' in the study; hence, it will be beneficial for all HCW to receive formal and periodic refresher trainings.