Knowledge of human immunodeficiency virus and post exposure prophylaxis amongst junior doctors
Pandhi, D.; Agrawal, S.K.; Singal, A.
Journal of Communicable Diseases 35(3): 218-223
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5138 PMID: 15796415 Document Number: 9249
Twenty-six (30%) of junior doctors reported exposure to potentially infected material. Out of 22 doctors who sustained needle stick injury, only 1(5%) reported it and received PEP. This level is much lower than western figures varying from 17.5% to 45.4% and is a cause for concern. Seven (44%) cited lack of knowledge as a reason and three (12%) were worried about side effects. Preliminary information has shown that side effects cause discontinuation of therapy by 24-36% of recipients. Thus the poor level of knowledge of PEP among the respondents combined with high risk of exposure is of serious concern and there is considerable room for improvement. Education to prevent exposure, administration of first aid, urgency of starting PEP and whom to contact should be a part of standard undergraduate training and also be part of training at all entry levels of junior doctors coming from different institutions. In addition, each hospital should have a written policy on PEP as well as a system of reporting. Reporting of all cases of exposure and experiences with PEP to State AIDS Control Cell is vital, so as to have a national database.
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