Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of post-exposure prophylaxis against blood-borne viral infection among dental surgeons in a teaching hospital

Abstract

Background: This study was aimed at assessing the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of dental surgeons on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among all the consenting dental surgeons at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria, between May and July, 2015. The survey was carried out using a self-administered, anonymous, twenty-five item, and structured questionnaire.

Results: A total of 40 (74.1%) males and 14 (25.9%) females responded in the study. The majority, 37 (68.5%), of the dental surgeons had inadequate knowledge about PEP. Majority of the dental surgeons, 44 (81.5%), had a good attitude towards PEP for HIV/HBV. From the study participants, 52 (96.3%) agreed on the importance of PEP for HIV/HBV in the work place. A high proportion of the respondents, 47 (87.0%), had been vaccinated against HBV. Among all of the respondents, 25 (46.3%) were exposed to HIV/HBV risky conditions. Sixteen of the 25 exposed dental surgeons, 16/25 (64.0%), did not take PEP. Among the respondents who did not take PEP, 15 of those 16 (93.6%) stated that their reason for not taking PEP was due to fear of stigma and discrimination.

Conclusion: This study shows that knowledge and practice of dental surgeons towards PEP for HIV/HBV is inadequate. A formal PEP training centre with proper guidelines is recommended for dental surgeons.