Anaesthetists’ knowledge and personal experiences regarding the standard safety precautions and post exposure prophylaxis of HIV and hepatitis B virus

Abstract

Background: Occupational exposure of health care workers (HCW) to viruses such as the human immune virus (HIV) and the hepatitis virus occurs through contact with infective fluids. Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the knowledge and personal experiences of anaesthetists in the Department of Anaesthesiology at Witwatersrand (Wits) regarding standard safety precautions and post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) regimens for HIV and the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Methods: A prospective, contextual, descriptive research design with convenience sampling was followed. The availability of standard safety precautions and PEP regimens for HIV and HBV at Wits affiliated hospitals was confirmed. A previously published questionnaire was adapted and used to test knowledge. Adequate knowledge was considered as ≥80%. Results: Of the 151 questionnaires distributed, 146 (96.7%) were returned. The mean (SD) overall knowledge for HIV and HBV score was 63% (12%) and for HIV and HBV PEP was 63.0% (13.2%) and 64% (20%) respectively. Only 12 anaesthetists scored 80% or more. No statistically significant difference was found between the knowledge of junior and senior anaesthetists (p=0.1984). A weak positive but non-significant correlation was found between anaesthetists’ knowledge of HIV and HBV (r = 0.15, p= 0.0622). Of the anaesthetists 108 (73.9%) had been exposed to HIV and 10 (6.8%) had been exposed to HBV. Conclusion: The level of knowledge of anaesthetists at Wits of HIV and HBV PEP was inadequate, which is concerning in a developing country with high occupational exposure. It is crucial that HCWs acquire more knowledge so as to minimise the risk of infection post exposure.