Occupational exposure to HIV among nurses at a major tertiary hospital: Reporting and utilization of post-exposure prophylaxis; A cross-sectional study in the Western Cape, South Africa

Abstract

One out of every nine nurses had occupational exposure to HIV at a major tertiary hospital with poor reporting and utilization of post-exposure prophylaxis. The high proportion of needle stick injuries highlights the need for better infection control training. Similarly, the low levels of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis knowledge show the need for structured intervention and in-service training for health care workers.