Assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practices of HIV post exposure prophylaxis among the doctors and nurses in Princess Marina Hospital, Gaborone: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION: Botswana is one of the HIV/AIDS hardest hit countries in Sub-Saharan Africa with a prevalence of 17.6 percent while incidence is estimated to be 2.9 percent. The average risk of HIV transmission after a percutaneous exposure to HIV-infected blood has been estimated to be approximately 0.3% posing a threat to health care workers. This has resulted in HIV post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) being very important in the healthcare setting. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices of health care workers towards HIV PEP. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Princes Marina Hospital (PMH) in Gaborone from the 26th March-2nd April 2014. Inclusion criteria- registered medical doctors and nurses. Collected sample size was 199. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires. RESULTS: The majority of respondents 70.7% of the respondents had adequate knowledge about PEP, with 191(97.4%) of the study participants being aware of HIV PEP while 82.2% of the respondents had a positive attitude toward PEP. A significant number had been exposed 107(53.7%) to risky exposures. Of the exposed, 80(74.8%) took PEP, while 27(25.2%) did not take PEP. From the respondents that took PEP 21(26.6%) did not complete PEP, with 15(71.4%) quitting because of adverse side effects, 1(4.76%) assuming it was enough treatment and 1(4.76%) doubting drug efficacy. CONCLUSION: The participants were knowledgeable of the existence of HIV PEP and had a positive attitude toward the HIV PEP program. Although the participants were knowledgeable, they showed inadequate practices with regard to HIV PEP.