Comparison of Awareness of Post-exposure Prophylaxis Protocol Following Needle Stick Injuries Against HBV, HCV and HIV among Different Groups of Health Care Workers: A Multicenter Experience

Abstract

Background: Needle stick injuries can infect healthy individuals with hepatitis B, hepatitis C and Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Despite this, the health care professionals know a little about the vaccination schedule, post exposure prophylaxis protocol and how to deal if a needle stick injury occurs.

Objectives: To find the incidence of needle stick injuries, awareness about post exposure prophylaxis of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus and vaccination trend of hepatitis B virus in various groups of health care workers.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out via convenient sampling from Jan 2016-Jan 2017, in the Foundation University Medical College, Islamabad, Military and Combined Military Hospitals, Rawalpindi, PAEC General Hospital Islamabad and Quaid-e-Azam International Hospital Islamabad. The data was collected, analyzed and interpreted in terms of frequency and percentages.

Results: A total of six hundred and thirty-nine individuals participated in the study. Four hundred and fifty-four (71%) were vaccinated against Hepatitis B virus infection. Only two hundred and ninety-four (46%) knew of post exposure prophylaxis against
hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus needle stick injuries. Only fifty-nine (9.2%) were aware of post exposure prophylaxis
that against HIV needle stick injuries.
Conclusion: There is a general lack of reporting of needle stick injury among healthcare workers due to lack of knowledge of presence of responsible authorities. Awareness of post exposure prophylaxis is also not sufficient especially against HIV.