Oral Hygiene and dental student's knowledge, attitude and behaviour in managing HIV/AIDS patients

Abstract

The human immunodeficiency virus (AIDS) and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have profoundly affected every aspect of the public health sector. The possibility of HIV transmission in the oral health care setting is very rare. Nonetheless, the oral health care environment has become a helpful setting for early detection, as most lesions of HIV infection present orally during the first stages of the disease. Willingness to treat patients with HIV/AIDS appears to be related to knowledge of the disease process, its oral manifestations and modes of transmission, thus influencing health workers' attitudes and behaviour towards management of HIV/AIDS patients. This study assessed the level of management of HIV/AIDS patients amongst dental and oral hygiene students at the University of the Western Cape Dental faculty. Student's knowledge of HIV/AIDS, their behaviour and attitude in treating HIV/AIDS patients, the precautionary measures practiced and their perceptions of curriculum preparation on HIV/AIDS were assessed. Data were collected by means of a self- administered questionnaire. The results indicated that students' knowledge on HIV/AIDS generally increased as they progressed throughout their curriculum but their utilization of all barrier techniques for infection control and clinical protocol, lacked consistency and compliance. Given the fact that the possibility of transmission of HIV/AIDS does exist within the dental setting, it is important that supervisors reinforce universal precautions. Clinical application of these precautions has a direct impact on the spread of the disease.

Awareness, knowledge and attitudes of dental students in Yeditepe University Faculty of Dentistry towards individuals with HIV/AIDS

“…Studies had shown that as the knowledge increases the willingness to treat HIV/AIDS patients increase. 3,4,14,30 In our study, 28.4% of students reported that they can do CPR to HIV patients and more male students were selfconfident about doing CPR. These results are extremely higher than those reported by others.…”

“…12 These fears may cause inability to handle the treatment of HIV infected patients. 30 Adequate knowledge and positive attitude are the major criteria for treating HIV/AIDS patients. Studies had shown that as the knowledge increases the willingness to treat HIV/AIDS patients increase.…”

Knowledge, Attitude and Awareness of Dental Undergraduate Students Regarding Hiv/Aids Patients

“…These results are similar to findings reported by Sadhegi et al [5]among Iranian dental students, Ryalat et al [6] among Jordanian dental students, and Brailo et al [7] among Croatian dental students. Several studies have shown that HIV/AIDS-related knowledge improves as one progress through the curriculum, and this improved knowledge has been correlated with improved and positive attitudes toward treating patients living with HIV/AIDS [8][9][10].…”

Knowledge and attitude among students towards HIV/AIDS patients at a dental college, Suraram, India

“…Most lesions of HIV/AIDS present orally during the initial stages of the disease, so dentists fall into the high risk category for cross contamination. 7 A major concern among dentists is cross-infection, from an infected patient to the dentist and further from the dentists to other patients in case of an accidental needle stick injury. It is unethical to deny treatment by a dental student or dentist to anyone infected with HIV.…”