A descriptive cross-sectional study on the knowledge of occupational exposures and post exposure prophylaxis for HIV and barriers to PEP among health care workers in District General Hospital Kilinochchi, Sri Lanka

Introduction: Bloodborne pathogens acquired through occupational exposure (OE) are a professional hazard for healthcare workers (HCW), and under-utilization PEP services by HCWs places them at a higher risk.
Objective: To assess the knowledge of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), determine the underutilization factors, and methods to improve the accessibility of PEP services among different categories of HCWs of DGH Kilinochchi.
Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 181 HCWs using proportionate random sampling. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire and analysed in SPSS 21. Using bivariate statistical methods.
Results: Majority of the participants were minor staff (52.5%). Only 56 (39.9%) had exposure to OE and most had needle stick injuries (94.6%). Out of 56 HCWs, 36 (64.3%) had not attended PEP services. Only 29 (16%) had correct knowledge regarding PEP. Nearly half 83 (46%) were vaccinated against Hepatitis B and 19 (10.5%) knew their antibody level. Low awareness (57.5%) and being busy with work (43.6%) were the most common barriers to PEP services. Conducting an annual PEP program in the hospital and during the first appointment of HCW were the preferred methods to increase PEP services. Correct knowledge of PEP was positively associated with medical officers (P = 0.000, OR 6.5, 95% CI 2.6-16.6) and participation in the PEP program (P = 0.001, OR 5.1, 95% CI 1.9-13.1.) However, knowledge was not associated with the duration of work or prior OE to infectious material.
Conclusion: Knowledge of HCWs on OE and PEP was unsatisfactory, and awareness programs conducted annually and during the first appointment of the HCW can improve their knowledge.