Knowledge and compliance with human immunodeficiency virus post exposure management among dentists in two tertiary hospitals in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to assess the knowledge and determine the level of compliance with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) post exposure management (PEM) among dentists. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done among 114 dentists. Setting: Study was done among dentists in two Nigerian tertiary hospitals. Participants: All dentists available, who consented to the study during the period of data collection were included in the sample. Three cadres of dentists; house officers, residents and consultants, were involved in the study. Methods: Using self-administered questionnaires, information was sought on knowledge of managing exposures-first aid and prophylaxis as well as compliance when exposed. Data was analyzed using the SPSS statistical software. Results: Nearly all respondents, 111(97.4%), reported having heard about HIV PEM. Exposure incidents most frequently identified by respondents were needlestick injuries, 111(97.4%). Majority of the dentists recognized practices such as flushing exposed mucous membranes with water, 97(85.1%), and washing skin injuries with soap and water, 75(65.8%), as first aid for exposure incidents, while 20(17.5%) endorsed inappropriate measures like applying bleach to the wound. Seventy-one (62.3%) reported awareness of a HIV PEM protocol in their institution while 39(33.3%) were uncertain, with only 25(21.9%) reporting routine practice of the protocol. Fifty-six (49.1%) of the respondents had experienced an exposure of which only 30(53.6 %) reported and 32(57.1%) requested blood tests for the source patient(s). Conclusion: The level of compliance with post exposure management is inadequate, therefore there is a need to update the knowledge and device methods of encouraging compliance with HIV PEM protocol among dentists.