Browsing by Author "MUTONDO, Monica"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Assessing Factors Influencing Utilization of HIV Post Exposure Prophylaxis among Health Care Workers at Matero General Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia
    (2020) MUTONDO, Monica
    HIV is an infectious disease and occupational injuries or exposure of healthcare workers to this deadly virus threaten the functionality of health systems, especially in developing countries such as Zambia, which ranks among the top countries with high HIV prevalence. in Sub Saharan Africa with a prevalence of 3.4 million. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) as a result of occupational exposure during the treatment of infected patients. Exposure differs by occupation, based on factors such as frequency of handling specific devices, time spent in patient care or sample handling, and use of specific standard precautions, in particular never recapping needles. Underreporting of this exposure is common, therefore, it was important to evaluate the factors that influence the use of post-exposure prophylaxis among health professionals as a way to improve the health status not only of health professionals, but also of patients. This study was to assess the factors influencing utilization of HIV post exposure prophylaxis among health care workers at Matero general hospital, Lusaka, Zambia. The study used an analytical cross-sectional approach that made use questionnaires with all categorizes of health care workers available at Matero level one hospital. Participants in the study were selected using purposive and criterion sampling and the data was analyzed using STATA version 14 and presented in tables, pie charts and graphs. The study found that all the variables tested where well known by the health care workers as factors that influence the utilization of PEP. There where knowledge (86%), attitude (89%) and practice at (85%). The findings also revealed that these variables where statistically significant in influencing the utilization of PEP among health care workers with a P<0.05. Participants were aware of the existence of the PEP for HIV and were familiar with the program. Although the participants were well informed, they showed inadequate practices regarding PEP for HIV, therefore, this should be seized and treated as an opportunity to improve PEP practices among health workers. This indicates that there is a need to improve preventive measures among health professionals.