title: Post exposure prophylaxis following occupational exposure to HIV: a survey of health care workers in Mbeya, Tanzania, 2009-2010.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Approximately, 1,000 HIV infections are transmitted annually to health care workers (HCWs) worldwide from occupational exposures. Tanzania HCWs experience one to nine needle stick injuries (NSIs) per year, yet the use of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is largely undocumented. We assessed factors influencing use of PEP among HCWs following occupational exposure to HIV.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mbeya Referral Hospital, Mbozi and Mbarali District Hospitals from December 2009 to January 2010 with a sample size of 360 HCWs. Participants were randomly selected from a list of eligible HCWs in Mbeya hospital and all eligible HCWs were enrolled in the two District Hospitals. Information regarding risk of exposure to body fluids and NSIs were collected using a questionnaire. Logistic regression was done to identify predictors for PEP use using Epi Info 3.5.1 at 95% confidence interval.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 291 HCWs who participated in the study, 35.1% (102/291) were exposed to NSIs and body fluids, with NSIs accounting for 62.9% (64/102). Exposure was highest among medical attendants 38.8% (33/85). Out of exposed HCWs, (22.5% (23/102) used HIV PEP with females more likely to use PEP than males. Reporting of exposures (OR=21.1, CI: 3.85-115.62) and having PEP knowledge (OR =6.5, CI: 1.78-23.99) were significantly associated with using PEP.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite the observed rate of occupational exposure to HCWs in Tanzania, use of PEP is still low. Effective prevention from HIV infection at work places is required through proper training of HCWs on PEP with emphasis on timely reporting of exposures.
authors.affiliation: Tanzania Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (TFELTP), Tanzania ; Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Tanzania.
authors.forename: Marcelina John
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Mponela
authors.affiliation: Excellence & Friends Management Care Center, Abuja, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Obinna Ositadimma
authors.initials: OO
authors.lastname: Oleribe
authors.affiliation: Tanzania Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (TFELTP), Tanzania.
authors.forename: Ahmed
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Abade
authors.affiliation: Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Tanzania.
authors.forename: Gideon
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kwesigabo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016602:Needlestick Injuries / Q000821:virology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D056990:Post-Exposure Prophylaxis / Q000379:methods*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013636:Tanzania; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: HIV; Post exposure prophylaxis; health care workers; occupational exposure