# Knowledge and compliance with human immunodeficiency virus post exposure management among dentists in two tertiary hospitals in Lagos, Nigeria

## TL;DR

This study examines dentists' knowledge and compliance with HIV post-exposure management in Nigerian hospitals, finding gaps in protocol adherence.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into PEM practices among Nigerian dentists and highlights the need for improved compliance.

## Key findings

- Most dentists were aware of HIV PEM but only 21.9% routinely followed institutional protocols.
- Needlestick injuries were the most common exposure incidents reported by dentists.
- Only about half of those exposed reported the incident and requested blood tests.

## Abstract

This study aims to assess the knowledge and determine the level of compliance with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) post exposure management (PEM) among dentists.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was done among 114 dentists.

Study was done among dentists in two Nigerian tertiary hospitals.

All dentists available, who consented to the study during the period of data collection were included in the sample. Three cadres of dentists; house officers, residents and consultants, were involved in the study.

Using self-administered questionnaires, information was sought on knowledge of managing exposures-first aid and prophylaxis as well as compliance when exposed. Data was analyzed using the SPSS statistical software.

Nearly all respondents, 111(97.4%), reported having heard about HIV PEM. Exposure incidents most frequently identified by respondents were needlestick injuries, 111(97.4%). Majority of the dentists recognized practices such as flushing exposed mucous membranes with water, 97(85.1%), and washing skin injuries with soap and water, 75(65.8%), as first aid for exposure incidents, while 20(17.5%) endorsed inappropriate measures like applying bleach to the wound. Seventy-one (62.3%) reported awareness of a HIV PEM protocol in their institution while 39(33.3%) were uncertain, with only 25(21.9%) reporting routine practice of the protocol. Fifty-six (49.1%) of the respondents had experienced an exposure of which only 30(53.6 %) reported and 32(57.1%) requested blood tests for the source patient(s).

The level of compliance with post exposure management is inadequate, therefore there is a need to update the knowledge and device methods of encouraging compliance with HIV PEM protocol among dentists.