Human Immunodeficiency Virus Postexposure Prophylaxis at Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

HIV infection from occupational and nonoccupational exposures can be prevented through risk assessment and management with antiretroviral drug therapy (ART). This study sought to examine the pattern of presentation and outcome of clients who were given postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. A retrospective review of case notes of clients presenting for HIV PEP from January 2005 to December 2006 was carried out. A total of 48 clients with a mean age of 27.9 +/- 12.3 years underwent PEP during the period under review. Rape constituted 50% of reasons for PEP, while needle pricks and blood splash into mucous membranes constituted 25% each. Among those who received therapy, 10 (23.8%) could not complete drug therapy because of side effects. Although no client was HIV positive after the recommended 6 months of follow-up, 8 (16.7%) clients did not complete attendance to the clinic during the period.

HIV Postexposure Prophylaxis (PEP) in a Nigerian Tertiary Health Institution

“…High rates of nonoccupational exposures following sexual assault have been reported previously. [6][7][8][9] A good proportion of exposed patients up to 50% presented after 24 hours despite the fact that they had the exposure within the hospital environment. This probably shows poor awareness of the availability and the need for early seeking of PEP among the health care workers in this facility.…”

Awareness and knowledge of human immunodeficiency virus post exposure prophylaxis among Nigerian Family Physicians

“…Despite the level of awareness and knowledge demonstrated by the family physicians in our study, majority of those that had been exposed to NSI did not access HIV PEP, even though most of their institutions had existing HIV PEP policies and protocols. This knowledge–practice gap provides opportunities for targeted interventions to improve HCWs access to existing policies and protocols for effective utilization of HIV PEP which is needed to prevent seroconversions from NSI and other modes of occupational exposure, especially since recent reports from Nigeria indicate that this knowledge–practice gap is generalized among those at risk 92021. Special programs to improve knowledge and increase access to HIV PEP targeting senior doctors should also be encouraged and instituted.…”

HIV Non-Occupational Post Exposure Prophylaxis in Nigeria: A Review of Research Evidence and Practice.

“…Four out of five studies reported on the mode of exposure that led individuals to seek nPEP. 42,44,45,48 Rape was the most frequently occurring reason for seeking nPEP (25.9% to 64.1%) in all the four studies conducted in hospital settings. [42][43][44][45] This is similar to two other studies conducted in Kenya and Canada where rape accounted for 82% and 68% of non-occupational exposure respectively.…”