An examination of nurses' adherence to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) guidelines for HIV at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) refers to the use of antiretroviral medications to prevent HIV infection following potential exposure to the virus. PEP is a critical intervention in the management of healthcare workers who may have been exposed to HIV through occupational accidents such as needlestick injuries, exposure to contaminated fluids, or other potential transmission routes (Adegboye & Olaleye, 2023). For healthcare workers, including nurses, adherence to PEP guidelines is essential for preventing the transmission of HIV and ensuring their safety (Ishola et al., 2024).
Nurses are at increased risk of HIV exposure due to the nature of their work, which often involves handling blood, bodily fluids, and sharp instruments (Olutoye & Akinmoladun, 2025). In response to this risk, guidelines for the administration of PEP have been established to reduce the likelihood of HIV infection following exposure (Ajayi et al., 2024). These guidelines emphasize the timely initiation of PEP within hours of exposure and adherence to the full course of treatment. However, studies have shown that adherence to PEP guidelines among healthcare workers, including nurses, is often suboptimal, with factors such as lack of awareness, delays in initiating treatment, and fear of side effects contributing to non-adherence (Ene et al., 2023).
Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, as a major healthcare facility in Nigeria, is pivotal in providing HIV-related care and services to healthcare workers, including PEP following potential exposure. However, the level of adherence to PEP guidelines by nurses at this hospital is not well documented. This study aims to examine nurses' adherence to PEP guidelines at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, identifying the factors influencing adherence and proposing solutions to improve compliance with these guidelines (Oluwadare et al., 2023).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the availability of PEP guidelines to prevent HIV infection following exposure, adherence to these guidelines among nurses at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital may be inadequate. Non-adherence to PEP guidelines can put nurses at risk of HIV infection, which can lead to serious health consequences and affect their professional lives (Ogunleye & Ogunrinde, 2024). Factors such as insufficient knowledge, delayed initiation of treatment, and psychological barriers may contribute to non-adherence. Therefore, examining the adherence to PEP guidelines by nurses at this hospital is critical to improving healthcare worker safety and preventing the transmission of HIV.
Objectives of the Study
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To assess the level of adherence to PEP guidelines among nurses at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.
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To identify the factors that influence nurses' adherence to PEP guidelines for HIV.
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To evaluate the knowledge and awareness of nurses regarding PEP guidelines and HIV exposure risks.
Research Questions
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What is the level of adherence to PEP guidelines among nurses at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital?
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What factors influence nurses' adherence to PEP guidelines for HIV at the hospital?
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What is the level of awareness and knowledge among nurses regarding PEP guidelines and HIV exposure?
Research Hypotheses
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There is a significant relationship between nurses' knowledge of PEP guidelines and their adherence to these guidelines.
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Nurses with more years of experience are more likely to adhere to PEP guidelines than those with less experience.
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Psychological barriers such as fear of side effects negatively impact nurses' adherence to PEP guidelines.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, evaluating their adherence to PEP guidelines for HIV. It will assess their knowledge, adherence levels, and the factors influencing their practices. Limitations include the potential for response bias, as nurses may underreport non-adherence. The study is geographically limited to Lagos, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Definitions of Terms
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Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP): The use of antiretroviral drugs to prevent HIV infection after potential exposure to the virus.
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Adherence: The degree to which a patient or healthcare worker follows prescribed guidelines or treatment protocols.
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Nurses: Healthcare professionals responsible for providing care to patients, including managing occupational exposures to HIV.
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