Evaluation of HIV Non-occupational Post-exposure Prophylaxis Utilisation in a Tertiary Health Facility in Nigeria

Background The Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for more than 70% of the global burden of HIV infections. Non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis, when initiated within 72 hours of HIV exposure for 28 days, can prevent seroconversion in 80% of HIV exposures. Objectives To evaluate the characteristics, prevalence and outcome of non-occupational HIV post-exposure prophylaxis utilization in a tertiary hospital. Method This was a retrospective study that involved the medical records of 143 patients who sought HIV non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis between 1st June 2011 and 31st May 2021. A questionnaire was used to collect information about the socio-demographic data, profiles of both the source and exposed persons, antiretroviral completion rate and outcome at follow-up. Results Females accounted for 125 (87.4%). Sexual assaults were the main reasons for seeking non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis in 119 (83.2%). High-risk exposures were observed in 134 (93.7%). HIV status of the sources was unknown in 126 (88.1%). 123 (86.0%) initiated antiretroviral within 72 hours of exposure and antiretroviral completion rate was 70.6%. Only 28 (19.6%) reported for follow-up scheduled HIV screening and were all negative. Conclusion Early initiation of postexposure prophylaxis, improvement in baseline HIV testing of the source, and follow-up HIV screening, will significantly improve services and outcomes. Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2022;5(3):264-275