Abstract
Background: It is a well-known fact that the estimated prevalence of HIV/AIDS infection among people of 15-49 years in India is almost 1%. It has made our country to stand in second position among the list of countries having more number of HIV patients. With large number of PLHIV (People Living with HIV/AIDS), first time India implemented a National AIDS Control Program (NACP) in 1992.1 The range of services which are being offered under the programme made more and more PLHIVs to visit the health care centers, especially public health care facilities.2 Because of this health care providers are at increased risk of exposing to HIV/ AIDS. According to WHO, nurses and laboratory technicians are the group more at risk in any health care establishments.5
Objectives: To assess the awareness about pre (standard precaution) and post exposure prophylaxis of HIV / AIDS among nursing and laboratory staff of Mc Gann hospital and to compare the level of awareness among the two groups
Methodology: Study Design: Questionnaire based descriptive cross-sectional study. Duration of study: April to June 2013 (3months). Participants: 144 staff nurses and 22 laboratory technicians of Mc Gann hospital, Shimoga. Statistical test: Propoetion. Materials & methods: A pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect the data regarding A predesigned and pre tested, multiple response type, semi structured questionnaire was used to collect data regarding pre and post exposure prophylaxis of HIV/ AIDS.
Results: The total study population was 166; comprise of 144 nursing staff and 22 lab techicians. In our study it was surprising to notice that only 51.2% of the health care providers participated in the study were aware about all the modes of accidental exposure to HIV/AIDS at work place. 75% of the respondents did not know whom they supposed to report the accidental exposure. 61.7% of respondents did not know the duration of post exposure prophylaxis. Over all knowledge was found more among nursing students compared to laboratory technicians.
Conclusion and recommendation: Over all the awareness about pre and post exposure prophylaxis of HIV/AIDS among the health care providers is not satisfactory. There is an absolute need to update the knowledge about pre and post exposure prophylaxis among the health care providers by conducting training programs at regular intervals.

Key words: Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP), HIV/AIDS, Standard Precautions. Health care providers.