Knowledge, attitude and practices toward post exposure prophylaxis for human immunodeficiency virus among dental students in India

Abstract

Background:India has the third largest number of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and thus, dental practitioners are more likely to encounter such patients for dental management.Aim:The aim of the following study is to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV among dental interns and post graduate (PG) students of a dental institution in India.Subjects and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 128 dental students (64 interns and 64 PG students). Data related to HIV PEP was collected by pre-designed, pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire and difference in responses by education level was assessed by Chi-square test and Z-test (significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05). For statistical analysis, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 16, Chicago IL, USA) was used.Results:Difference in responses between dental interns and PG students was not statistically significant for majority of questions. All participants had positive attitude toward HIV patients (98.4% [63/64] interns vs. 100% [64/64] PG students). Interns (68.8%, 44/64) and PG students (68.8%, 44/64) were equally aware of the concept of HIV PEP. PG students had better knowledge than dental interns on few questions but overall both of them lacked knowledge about the best timing for commencement of HIV PEP (20.4% [13/64] interns vs. 42.2% [27/64] PG students) (P < 0.01), the antiretroviral drug regimen (48.4% [31/64] interns vs. 43.7% [28/64] PG students) and its duration (23.4% [15/64] interns vs. 25.0% [16/64] PG students), timing of antibody testing to rule out infection to health care worker (23.4% [15/64] interns vs. 35.9% [23/64] PG students) (P = 0.04).Conclusion:As knowledge regarding HIV PEP is found to be inadequate, well-designed educational programs need to be conducted to increase the understanding of dental professionals on this issue.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of needle stick injury and post exposure prophylaxis in undergraduate medical students

“…Poor knowledge regarding the drugs to be used in PEP was one of the important findings of few other studies too. 2,11,14 In contrast to our finding, a study carried out by Aminde stated that 34% of their students knew the ideal regimen of 3 drugs as per their country guidelines for HIV PEP. 16 When asked about the reasons for not using the PEP against HIV, approximately 50% students replied that they were unaware of the existence of PEP whereas many interns replied the fear of the side effects that discouraged them from receiving PEP.…”

“…On enquiring regarding the immediate measures taken following NSI, 48% students stated as washing with soap and water, similar to the findings cited in other similar studies. 2,11,14,16 When asked about the factors that contributes to NSI, almost 50% students opined that it is the high patient load whereas 30% students answered it as the casual approach of the healthcare workers towards the NSI. When asked about Hepatitis B vaccination, it was realized that only 60% of our students were vaccinated against Hepatitis B virus which was below par in as compared to 90% of the medical students in study by Saleem.…”

Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of post-exposure prophylaxis against blood-borne viral infection among dental surgeons in a teaching hospital

“…4,5 Since the first documented case of occupational transmission of HIV to a healthcare worker (HCW) in 1984, 6 94 confirmed and 170 possible cases have been reported world-wide until 1997. 7,8 Although the risk of HIV transmission in the dental office is very low, there have been reports of HIV transmission from infected dental surgeon to patient, 9,10 and vice versa. Furthermore, the HIV infection status in the majority of patients is not known at the time of the initial visit, and if known they are less likely to disclose it to the dental surgeon.…”

“…Furthermore, the HIV infection status in the majority of patients is not known at the time of the initial visit, and if known they are less likely to disclose it to the dental surgeon. 10,11 HBV has long been recognised as an occupational risk to healthcare personnel, including healthcare trainees. 12,13 The virus remains infectious for prolonged periods on environmental surfaces, and is transmissible in the absence of visible blood.…”

“…18 Occupationally acquired infection with HBV and HIV in dental workers has been documented. 9,10,19 During dental procedures, contamination of saliva with blood is predictable, trauma to HCWs' hands is common, and blood spattering may occur. Infection control precautions for dentistry minimise the potential for non-intact skin and mucous membrane contact of dental HCWs to blood-contaminated saliva of patients.…”