due to stigma, misinformation, and structural barriers. This study investigates the level of awareness and attitudes

toward Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) among academic and non-

academic staff at Adamawa State College of Health Science and Technology, Michika. Using a descriptive cross-

sectional survey design, data were collected from 150 participants through a validated structured questionnaire.

Stratified random sampling ensured proportional representation across staff categories.

Findings revealed that academic staff were significantly more aware of HIV prophylaxis than non-academic

staff, with education level emerging as a strong predictor of awareness (AOR = 4.56; 95% CI: 2.01–10.34).

Gender and cultural norms influenced attitudes, with female staff reporting greater stigma-related barriers to

accessing information. Logistic regression analysis confirmed that job role and educational attainment were

statistically significant determinants of awareness. The study concludes that institutional gaps, educational

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a significant public health challenge globally, with sub-Saharan

Africa bearing a disproportionate burden of the epidemic. Despite advances in prevention and treatment, the

uptake of biomedical prevention strategies such as Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and Pre-Exposure

Prophylaxis (PrEP) remains limited, particularly in low-resource settings. Globally, awareness of these

interventions is increasing, yet stigma, misinformation, and structural barriers continue to hinder their adoption

(WHO, 2022).

In Nigeria, where HIV prevalence varies across regions, institutional staff in tertiary health settings represent a

critical yet understudied population in HIV prevention efforts. While healthcare workers are often assumed to

be well-informed, recent studies suggest that knowledge of PEP and PrEP among this group is inconsistent and

often inadequate (Ajayi et al., 2021; Isah et al., 2024). Moreover, non-clinical staff who may also face

Technology, Michika, are strategically positioned to promote HIV awareness, yet the absence of structured

health education programs and reliance on informal communication channels undermine their potential impact

(Eze & Nwankwo, 2020).

This study investigates the level of awareness and attitudes toward HIV prophylaxis among academic and non-

academic staff of Adamawa State College of Health Science and Technology. Guided by the Health Belief Model

and Diffusion of Innovations Theory, the research explores how educational background, job role, gender, and

cultural norms influence awareness and behavior. By identifying gaps and predictors of HIV prophylaxis

knowledge, the study aims to inform targeted interventions that enhance institutional capacity for HIV

prevention and contribute to broader public health goals.

awareness and understanding of PEP and PrEP among healthcare workers vary significantly, highlighting a

application of HIV prophylaxis among healthcare providers. For instance, a study conducted in North-West

Nigeria revealed that only 42% of healthcare workers demonstrated adequate knowledge of PEP protocols, with

an even smaller proportion showing understanding of PrEP (Isah et al., 2024). Similarly, pharmacists working

in Nigerian teaching hospitals exhibited moderate levels of awareness but demonstrated poor practical

engagement with HIV prophylaxis measures (Ukoha-Kalu et al., 2024). These findings suggest that while some

level of awareness exists, it is not translating into consistent or effective practice. Furthermore, a bibliography

compiled by the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) indicates that the majority of HIV-related

advanced training restricts their exposure to contemporary HIV prevention strategies and diminishes their

capacity to effectively educate students and peers on these issues (Adebayo & Ojo, 2019). The situation is even

more pronounced among non-academic staff, who are frequently excluded from institutional health programs

and awareness campaigns. As a result, they remain largely uninformed about the availability and importance of

Technology, Michika, are strategically positioned to play a pivotal role in promoting HIV awareness and

prevention. These institutions serve as training grounds for future healthcare professionals and are therefore

critical in shaping public health outcomes. However, their potential remains underutilized due to the absence of

of institutional coordination and investment in health education significantly undermines efforts to improve

that a person's decision to engage in health-promoting behavior is influenced by several key constructs: perceived

susceptibility to a health threat, perceived severity of the consequences, perceived benefits of taking preventive

action, and perceived barriers that may hinder such action. Additionally, cues to action, such as institutional

campaigns, peer influence, or training programs can trigger behavioral change, while self-efficacy reflects the

confidence individuals have in their ability to take appropriate health measures.

In the context of this study, the HBM provides a lens through which to examine how institutional staff perceive

their risk of HIV exposure, the seriousness of infection, and the effectiveness of prophylactic measures. It also

helps to identify the structural and psychological barriers that may prevent them from accessing or using PEP

and PrEP. By applying this model, the research aims to uncover the underlying beliefs that shape awareness and

behavior, and to inform targeted interventions that can improve HIV prevention strategies within tertiary health

channels, and peer dynamics.

According to Rogers, the diffusion process is shaped by several factors: the characteristics of the innovation

itself (such as its perceived advantage, compatibility with existing values, complexity, and observability), the

nature of the communication channels through which information is shared, the structure of the social system,

and the categories of adopters within that system. In this study, PEP and PrEP are viewed as preventive

innovations whose adoption depends on how they are perceived by staff, how information about them is

disseminated, and how institutional norms either facilitate or hinder their uptake.

By integrating the Diffusion of Innovations Theory, the study seeks to understand the institutional dynamics that

affect the spread of HIV prophylaxis awareness. It also aims to identify which groups within the staff population

are more likely to adopt these innovations and what strategies can be employed to accelerate their diffusion.

Prophylaxis (PrEP) among institutional staff. The cross-sectional approach was chosen to capture a snapshot of

representativeness across staff categories, a stratified random sampling technique was adopted. The population

150 participants were randomly selected using proportionate allocation, 100 academic staff and 50 non-academic

staff reflecting the actual distribution of personnel within the institution. Inclusion criteria required participants

specifically for this study. The instrument consisted of four sections: (1) demographic information, (2) awareness

and knowledge of HIV prophylaxis (PEP and PrEP), (3) sources of information, and (4) attitudes and perceptions

toward HIV prevention. To ensure content validity, the questionnaire was reviewed by three public health experts

with experience in HIV research. A pilot test was conducted with 15 staff members from a similar institution in

disseminate accurate information.

staff and individuals from conservative backgrounds. This may include confidential counselling services,

gender-sensitive messaging, and partnerships with community and religious leaders.

normalize conversations around HIV prevention and serve as trusted sources of information within the

institution.

the effectiveness of awareness initiatives, using indicators such as knowledge retention, attitude shifts,

and prophylaxis uptake rates.

Third, although stratified random sampling was employed, the sample size (n = 150) may not fully capture the

diversity of experiences and perspectives within the institution, especially among non-academic staff.

Additionally, self-reported data from questionnaires are subject to social desirability bias, particularly on

sensitive topics such as HIV and sexual health. Some respondents may have overstated their awareness or

withheld information due to stigma or fear of judgment.

Fourth, while logistic regression was used to quantify associations between variables, the study did not include

qualitative methods that could have enriched understanding of cultural and gender-based barriers. Future

research should incorporate interviews or focus groups to explore nuanced perceptions and lived experiences

that quantitative tools may overlook.

Lastly, the study focused primarily on awareness and attitudes, without assessing actual uptake or adherence to

PEP and PrEP protocols. Subsequent studies should investigate behavioral outcomes, institutional readiness, and

the effectiveness of targeted interventions in improving HIV prophylaxis utilization.

of e-learning facilities in a private higher education institution (HEI) in a developing economy.

00624-6

Ma’aji, H. U., & Ukoha-Kalu, B. O. (2024). Pharmacists’ knowledge, attitude and practice of HIV

post-exposure prophylaxis: A cross-sectional comparative study in two Nigerian teaching hospitals.

Discover Public Health, 21, Article 237. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982- 024-00357-w

https://nimr.gov.ng/nimr/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HIV-BIBILOGRAPHY-2022.pdf

237. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-024-00357-w

https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/global-hiv-prevention-progress-report-2022

https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240095137