Post-exposure prophylaxis for human immunodeficiency virus: knowledge and experience of junior doctors. Issue 6 (1st December 2001)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, M Y; Fox, E F; Rogers, C A
• Is Part Of: Sexually transmitted infections. Volume 77:Issue 6(2001)
• Page Start: 444
• Page End: 445
• Publication Date: 2001-12-01
• Subjects: HIV -- post-exposure prophylaxis -- needlestick injuries; Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; HIV infections -- Periodicals; 616.951005
• DOI: 10.1136/sti.77.6.444
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-4973

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To assess the level of knowledge and experience of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among junior doctors. Methods: A questionnaire was sent to all junior doctors working in two major teaching hospitals in London. Results: Most junior doctors had heard of PEP (93%) but fewer were aware that it reduced the rate of HIV transmission (76%). Only a minority of doctors (8%) could name the drugs recommended in recent national guidelines and a significant proportion (43%) could not name any. Almost one third (29%) did not know within what period PEP should be administered. This was despite the fact that the majority of respondents (76%) had experienced high risk exposure to potentially infective material at some stage in their careers and that a significant proportion (18%) had sought advice about PEP following potential exposures. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the junior hospital doctors in our survey had inadequate knowledge of PEP against HIV despite being at risk of occupational exposure.