A study on knowledge and practice of standard precautions and awareness regarding post exposure prophylaxis for HIV among interns and residents of RIMS Teaching Hospital, Raichur

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Original Article

Author Details : Sudheera Sulgante, Din Prakash Ranjan, Namita

Volume : 4, Issue : 1, Year : 2017

Article Page : 8-13

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Abstract

Background: Exposure to blood and body fluids from infected patients poses high risk of infection with hepatitis B, C or HIV for healthcare staff (mostly interns and junior residents). Adopting standard precautions by these health care staff while providing medical care can prevent most of these highly infectious diseases.
Objective: To assess knowledge and practice of standard precautions (SP) and to assess the awareness regarding post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV among interns and residents of RIMS teaching hospital.
Methods: A cross-sectional study in interns and residents working in clinical departments of RIMS over a period of two months conducted by interviewing 103 participants.
Results: Less than 50% of the interns had correct knowledge about hand hygiene measures, safe handling of used needles, use of PPE (personal protective equipments) except use of gloves. Poor adherence to standard precautions like hand hygiene measures, use of PPE, safe handling and disposal of sharps were reported by both interns and residents, even among those who reported correct knowledge. Ideal time and maximum time for PEP initiation was reported by 45.5% and 29.5% of interns and 93.3% and 73.3% of residents respectively. 18.2% interns and 33.3% residents reported needle stick injury in the past 3 months.
Conclusion: Residents had good knowledge of SP compared to interns. However there was considerable gap between knowledge and practice of SP in both interns and residents. Awareness regarding PEP for HIV was also poor among interns compared to residents emphasizing the need for training of interns.

Keywords: Standard precautions, Personal Protective Equipments, Post Exposure Prophylaxis, HIV

How to cite : Sulgante S, Ranjan D P, Namita, A study on knowledge and practice of standard precautions and awareness regarding post exposure prophylaxis for HIV among interns and residents of RIMS Teaching Hospital, Raichur. Indian J Forensic Community Med 2017;4(1):8-13

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