Health Care Workers Occupational Exposures to HIV, Ethiopia

An occupational exposure that may place a worker at risk of HIV infection is a percutaneous injury, contact of mucous membrane or skin with blood or other body fluids to which universal precaution apply. Exploring the knowledge, extent of exposures and practices on occupational HIV risks is important. About 38.2% of health care workers experienced at least one needle stick injury in their life time and 19% of respondents experienced needle stick injury within the last one year. Rate of needle stick injury in a year was estimated at 1.34 injuries per person. Two hundred sixty four (71.0%) respondents had knowledge about HIV post- exposure prophylaxis. This book, therefore, provides invaluable information about the extent of exposures and associated factors. The analysis of the findings will help health facilities to make available to their system that includes a standardized written protocol and reporting unit for management of occupational exposures. Improvement of work environment and appropriate management of exposed cases, including addressing the psychosocial burden health workers face after exposure is also imperative.