Matlala Mosehle S, Lumadi Thanyani G
Department of Health Studies, College of Human Sciences, University of South Africa, Tshwane.
Curationis. 2024 Sep 11;47(1):e1-e12. doi: 10.4102/curationis.v47i1.2548.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a major public health concern. Midwifery practitioners as frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) remain susceptible to occupational exposure to infections while performing their routine duties. It is estimated that 90% of occupational exposures occur because of a lack of awareness and training regarding prevention and measures to be taken in case of accidental exposure.
The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and compliance of midwifery practitioners regarding post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) guidelines.
Concurrent mixed-methods research approach with qualitative nested in quantitative design was followed. A random simple sampling technique was used to collect quantitative data from 71 midwifery practitioners. Simultaneously, a purposive non-probability sampling technique was used for the qualitative approach with two occupational health and safety (OHS) practitioners and 13 midwifery practitioners. Data were collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analysed with SPSS version 24 and presented in tables and figures, and thematic analysis was employed for the qualitative strand.
The midwifery practitioners have good knowledge about PEP for HIV. However, the study revealed the underreporting of accidental exposures to blood and body fluids (BBFs) and the underutilisation of available PEP services.
Maternity units are high-risk clinical environments. Underreporting of incidents of exposure remains prevalent among midwifery practitioners.Contribution: The findings will inform policy development structures and hospital management regarding knowledge and implementation gaps related to PEP guidelines in the specific hospitals. Strategies to improve compliance with PEP among midwifery practitioners were developed as a derivative from study findings.
人类免疫缺陷病毒（HIV）仍然是一个重大的公共卫生问题。助产士作为一线医护人员，在履行日常职责时仍易遭受职业性感染暴露。据估计，90%的职业暴露是由于缺乏对预防以及意外暴露时应采取措施的认识和培训。
本研究旨在评估助产士对暴露后预防（PEP）指南的知识、态度和依从性。
采用定量设计中嵌套定性的同期混合方法研究。使用随机简单抽样技术从71名助产士中收集定量数据。同时，采用立意非概率抽样技术进行定性研究，选取两名职业健康与安全（OHS）从业者和13名助产士。通过问卷调查和半结构化访谈收集数据。定量数据用SPSS 24版进行分析，并以表格和图表形式呈现，定性部分采用主题分析。
助产士对HIV的暴露后预防有较好的了解。然而，研究发现血液和体液（BBF）意外暴露报告不足，且现有暴露后预防服务利用不足。
产科病房是高风险临床环境。助产士中暴露事件报告不足的情况仍然普遍。
研究结果将为特定医院中与暴露后预防指南相关的知识和实施差距的政策制定机构和医院管理提供参考。根据研究结果制定了提高助产士对暴露后预防依从性的策略。
