Abstract
Due to the high prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in South Africa, lay counsellors have taken the role of HIV testing as task shifting is defined. However, to ensure their safety in the workplace and minimize the risk of exposure to needle prick and eyesplash incidents a comprehensive approach to their safety is paramount.
Aim and Objectives: To determine occupational risks for HIV infection, and the knowledge, attitudes and practices of lay counsellors regarding post exposure prophylaxis in Sedibeng district, Gauteng.
Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted at public health facilities in Sedibeng district, Gauteng province in December 2023 and January 2024 using a structured self-administered questionnaire to collect data. Socio-demographic and knowledge, attitudes and habits, and practices, of HIV lay counsellors on exposure to HIV and post exposure prophylaxis were collected and analyzed.
Research design:
It was a quantitative method.
Results: A 72% response rate from a population total of 272 was achieved. Majority of the participants knew what needle prick injury and eye splash incident are (87.3%), however only half of them (52.6%) have received training previously. While only a few of them (8.2%) have encountered incidents in the past, over 80% experienced them only once and majority (87.5%) of incidents occurred during blood collection (pricking). Most participants know what post exposure prophylaxis is (90.3%), but only 57.7% received training on PEP in the past. However, over 80% of them believed that PEP is necessary and can prevent contracting HIV in the workplace. Lack of training and unavailability of PPE were described by majority of participants as the most common risk factor for occurrence of needle prick and eye splash incidents. Poor access to needle prick and post-exposure prophylaxis was also reported by participants. Fifteen out of 16 participants who have been exposed to incidents previously were offered post-exposure prophylaxis for 28 days.
Conclusion: The safety of lay counsellors is the responsibility of both their employer and themselves. Training them will help to reduce their risk of exposure to HIV and improve their knowledge, attitudes and practices. Availability of safety policies to them should be facilitated and advocated for. Provision of personal protective equipment must be ensured at all times to maintain their safety. Risk assessment, management and medical surveillance programs
must be initiated and enforced to prevent; and minimize harm along with managing potential exposures at work.