Blaise Lukau, one of the Africa Centre’s 2024 MPhil graduates, recently presented his research at the Clinical Research Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) Call, with further plans to share the findings with the relevant health authorities.
Clinical Research SSA Call features researchers from several health institutions globally, namely the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute and the University of Basel in Switzerland, the Ifakara Health Institute in Tanzania and SolidarMed Lesotho. The platform facilitates the dissemination and discussion of study projects and research findings at these institutions.
In his research, Blaise investigated the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) among healthcare workers at Mokhotlong Hospital in Lesotho. He used both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, including surveys and interviews, to gather data.
The key finding (and concern) was that more than half (52%) of participants have not used PEP before, despite a high level of knowledge of the objective and role of PEP in preventing HIV infection, frequent occupational exposure, and the fact that PEP services are readily available at the hospital.
In exploring possible barriers to the uptake of PEP treatment, Blaise identified four themes:
- The desire to and difficulties of accessing and using PEP, with stigma and judgement among healthcare workers being one of the main barriers.
- Emotive reactions to PEP knowledge, for example anxiety, anger and blaming others for possible infection.
- Efficiency of PEP uptake, where participants highlighted the fact that the pharmacy is not open 24/7; it’s closed on weekends and open for limited hours only on holidays.
- Learning and sharing ability, with only 30% having attended PEP training.
Based on his findings, Blaise made the following recommendations:
- Implement regular training PEP programmes.
- Ensure adequate supply of PEP resources in healthcare settings.
- Develop policies to reduce stigma associated with PEP usage.
- Encourage a supportive environment for healthcare workers to report and manage occupational exposure.
The Clinical Research SSA Call researchers were full of praise following Blaise’s presentation and agreed with his findings, especially sharing the concern regarding low PEP uptake and the prevalence of stigma among healthcare professionals. Blaise will share the findings with the local health authorities at Mokhotlong Hospital and the Mokhotlong District Health Management Team in the next few weeks.