Abstract:
BACKGROUND : Healthcare facilities in South Africa are confronted by several challenges arising
from Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune diseases syndrome
infection pandemic. All categories of nurses continue to experience accidental occupational
exposure to blood and body fluids (BBFs) of patients who are HIV-positive. Studies conducted
revealed that nurses fail to report the occurrence of the exposures. This represents a serious
challenge because they contract HIV infections whilst in the process of helping others.
OBJECTIVES : The purpose of this study was to determine the occupational exposures and use of
HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) amongst nurses at the selected tertiary academic
hospital, Tshwane district, Gauteng province, South Africa.
METHODS : A quantitative descriptive study was conducted with 94 male and female clinical
nurses, using a self-administered questionnaire that facilitated collection of biographical data,
occupational exposures to BBFs and use of HIV PEP. The data analysis included univariate and
bivariate descriptive analyses.
RESULTS : Of the 94 nurses, n = 40 (43%) had been exposed to BBFs, either through sharp or
needle prick injuries or splashes but only 16 (46%) of them reported the incident. Nurses were
not keen to report accidental occupational exposures to BBFs in their own facility and rather
sought HIV PEP outside their workplace. They gave different reasons for their behaviour. For
example, ‘I did not know where to report’.
CONCLUSION : Our study highlights the gaps that exist in reporting occupational exposure to
BBFs and obtaining HIV PEP. Therefore, we recommend evaluation of these occupational
exposures to BBFs and the management thereof, as well as to address the identified problems.
