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Year : 2010 | Volume
: 51
| Issue : 1 | Page : 30-34 |
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Universal precautions: Awareness and practice of patent medicines vendors in Enugu Metropolis, south east Nigeria
Patricia Nonye Aniebue, Emmanuel Nwabueze Aguwa, Emmanuel Ikechukwu Obi
Department of Community Medicine, College Of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu campus, Nigeria
Correspondence Address:
Patricia Nonye Aniebue Department of Community Medicine, College Of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu campus Nigeria
Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None | Check |
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Aim:To determine patent medicine vendor's awareness and practice of universal precautions.
Methodology: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in Enugu metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria in November, 2008. Three hundred and thirty seven patent medicine vendors were studied using semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaires. Information on awareness and practice of universal precautions were obtained.
Results: Two hundred and four ( 60. 5%) of the patent medicine vendors had secondary education. Two hundred and sixty three ( 78%) were not aware of the concept of universal precautions. Of the 74 who had heard of the concept, the mass media was the source of information for 38 ( 51. 4%) of them. Most ( 67. 7%) of patent medicine vendors treat open wounds and administer injections. The proportion who take some precaution or the other ( 50. 7%), is similar to those who do not ( 49. 3%). One hundred and forty four ( 42. 7%) of them, dispose of used sharps inappropriately. Two hundred and twenty three ( 66. 2%) of them are aware of the need for appropriate action after a needle prick; i.e., through accessing HIV screening services or consulting a doctor.
Conclusion and recommendation: The patent medicine vendor's awareness and practice of universal precautions is poor. Regular training on universal precautions is recommended. |
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