Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE OF POST EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS (PEP) FOR HIV AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS (HCWS) AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL.

Dr Shivaprakash G, Ms Punya Suvarna , *Dr Pallavi LC

ABSTRACT

HIV is a serious public health problem. India is the second most populous country and constitutes third largest number of HIV infected people globally. [1] Health care workers (HCWs) are persons working in health care setting. The term refers to all paid and unpaid persons working in healthcare settings who have the potential for exposure to infectious materials including body substances (e.g., blood, tissue, and specific body fluids), contaminated medical supplies and equipment, or contaminated environmental surfaces. HCWs in developing countries are at serious risk of infection from blood borne pathogens like HIV, Hepatitis B and C viruses because of the high prevalence and increased occupational risk of these pathogens in the areas. Unsafe practices like careless handling of contaminated needles, reuse of inadequately sterilized needles, and improper disposal of hazardous waste increases the possible risk of transmission of these blood borne pathogens.[2]

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