Knowledge of human immunodeficiency virus post-exposure prophylaxis among doctors in a Nigerian tertiary hospital

Background: The mainstay of prevention of occupationally-acquired HIV infection is compliance with universal precautions. Appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis is an integral part of prevention, control and workplace safety. This study was undertaken to assess the level of knowledge of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among doctors in Federal Medical Centre, Gombe, Nigeria.Materials and Methods: Ethical committee approval for the conduct of the study was obtained. Questionnaires were served to all cadres of doctors from house officers to consultants; it was completed and returned on anonymous basis.Results: Sixty six (88.0%) of the 75 distributed questionnaires were returned completed and formed the basis of further analysis. The overall knowledge level of post-exposure prophylaxis against human immunodeficiency virus infection was very low. About 62.1% are aware of the existence of PEP policy in the hospital. The level of knowledge concerning the high-risk fluid and three drugs used in PEP is high. Over 90% are not aware of the risk of sero-conversion following significant needle-sticks injury and mucous membrane exposure. The study also revealed poor knowledge concerning actions to be taken, how soon to commence the PEP treatment and the duration of medication following needle stick injury. More than 50% of the surveyed doctors had experienced significant exposure to potentially infective materials and none reported or sought PEP advice.Conclusion: There is the need to educate the doctors and other health workers about the PEP guideline policy, what to do in the event of injury, whom to contact and the importance of seeking urgent advice following injury or exposure

Pattern of injuries at the emergency unit of a Federal Teaching Hospital in north-east Nigeria

Background: Traumatic injuries are on the increase in many of our hospitals with varying aetiology, severity and mode of  presentation. This study therefore, aimed to appraise the various types of injuries seen and attended to at the emergency unit of the study centre.Method This was a prospective cross-sectional study carried out over a 7-month period (September 2014-March 2015), on patients that presented to the emergency unit. Relevant investigations were carried out and these were tailored according to the patient's pathology. Surgical intervention was required in some patients as part of the resuscitation protocol while others were managed non-operatively. Patients were thereafter referred to and admitted under various sub-specialties for expert care. Data analysis was done using Epi info 3.5.1Result: There were a total of 86 patients out of which 29 patients declined orthodox treatment. The remaining 57 patients comprised 31 (54.4%) males and 26 (45.6%) females (M:F =1.2 :1). Their age ranged between 8 to 60 years. Regarding the aetiology, gunshots were the most predominant cause of injuries (23, 40.4%) followed by knives (20, 35.1%). The abdomen was far more injured than any other parts of the body followed by the extremities both as isolated and combined injuriesConclusion: Concerted efforts are required to curb the rising incidence of traumatic injuries. This will entail dedicated efforts from the community and the Government through her various public enlightening agencies.Keywords: Pattern of injuries, emergency unit, North-East Nigeri

hereditary multiple exastoses: Case report

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