A study to determine the attitudes of nurses on post exposure prophylaxis at Chipata General Hospital

Abstract

ABSTRACT Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is an important infection prevention method in relation to combating HIV/AIDS pandemic which has affected the whole world, including Zambia. Research studies are being done to find solutions to the effects of HIV/AIDS on the nursing profession in order to identify the needs of nurses and midwives in responding to HIV/AIDS. The aim of this study is to determine the attitudes of nurses on post exposure prophylaxis at Chipata General Hospital, Zambia. Literature review was obtained from studies conducted globally, regionally and nationally. Literature has indicated that it is necessary to have infection prevention measures implemented in the health care setting for the safety of the care givers so that in turn the society at large accesses quality health care services. Assessing the nurses' attitude on PEP is necessary because it helps understand why nurses may not be accessing this service even when it is available. A descriptive non interventional (non experimental) study was conducted at Chipata General Hospital between 1st to 30th September, 2007. The study population included all the nurses at the institution. A sample comprising 50 respondents was selected using stratified random sampling. A self administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Quantitative and qualitative data was analysed manually using a data master sheet and scientific calculator. Data was presented in the form of frequency tables, pie charts and bar charts. Cross tabulation were used to determine the relationship between variables. The study revealed that majority 35 (70%) out of 50 respondents had negative attitude towards PEP while 15 (30%) of the respondents had a positive attitude. This indicated the fact that the nurses's attitude affected their knowledge either in the positive or negative way. Furthermore, negative attitude may also lead to loss of knowledge that one had on PEP. xiv

The literature also revealed that nurses were knowledgeable on PEP but their access was not according to expectations. This attitude was attributed to length in service, professional qualification, orientation to PEP, availability of PEP literature in all the departments, support from nurse managers and confidentiality practices among nurses. The major recommendations are:- The Ministry of Health should work in collaboration with the various partners NGOs dealing in issues of HIV/AIDS focussing mainly on training programmes and refresher courses for health personnel with emphasis on PEP. The nursing services department needs to capitalise on holding clinical meetings so that nurses can continuously learn and adapt to the changes that occur in the health sector in terms of new technology, new information and knowledge as well as trends in disease patterns. This in turn will improve the nurses attitude towards their continuing education. The infection prevention committee must train PEP focal persons at departmental level. These will be trained in PEP and how to use the PEP test kit to be able to render PEP services at departmental level immediately a health worker is exposed to HIV infection. xv