Knowledge and practices towards post exposure prophylaxis for HIV infection and factors associated with good knowledge among undergraduate clinical students in Makerere University

Abstract

Introduction: According to the ministry of health's HIV testing and treatment guidelines, every health worker exposed to HIV through occupational exposure is supposed to be initiated on HIV PEP treatment within the first 72 hours of exposure. However, majority of health care workers and clinical students do not report occupational exposures to HIV and are reluctant to start and adhere to HIV PEP treatment course. Aim of the study: To assess the knowledge and practices on PEP for HIV infection and determine the factors associated with good knowledge on HIV PEP among undergraduate clinical year students in Makerere University. Methods: An online-based descriptive cross-sectional study using a standardized structured questionnaire was used. Twelve items were used to assess the knowledge of clinical students about post exposure prophylaxis for HIV infection. Cut off of 70% was used to categorize knowledge into adequate and inadequate. Practices were assessed only for participants who reported a history of exposure to HIV risk conditions. Eleven items were used to assess the practices of clinical students towards post exposure prophylaxis for HIV infection. Data was analyzed at univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels using SPSS v 26. Results: 244 undergraduate clinical year students involved in the stud, in which 69.7% had good knowledge towards post exposure prophylaxis to PEP for HIV infection. This study also showed that many undergraduate clinical year students did not follow the recommended guidelines towards PEP for HIV following occupational exposure. In addition, the study showed that fourth-and fifth year undergraduate clinical year students were more likely to have good knowledge towards post exposure prophylaxis for HIV infection than the third-year counterparts. Conclusion: Numerous interventions should be set up by stake holders to increase the Level of knowledge and the practices of clinical year students towards PEP for HIV infection.