Norwegian dentists' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior concerning the HIV

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Understanding HIV transmission routes and testing attitudes is crucial for healthcare professionals.
• Dentists may face daily potentially infectious situations, necessitating informed practices.
• Previous research indicates gaps in knowledge and adherence to guidelines among healthcare workers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess knowledge of HIV transmission routes among Norwegian dentists.
• To evaluate attitudes towards HIV antibody testing in this population.
• To examine the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and protective behaviors (e.g., glove use).

Main Methods:

• A postal questionnaire was distributed to 120 private practitioners in Bergen, Norway.
• 83 dentists (69% response rate) completed the survey.
• Data collected included knowledge of HIV, attitudes toward testing, and glove usage.

Main Results:

• Over half of dentists reported daily potentially infectious situations.
• While overall knowledge was good, 20% answered incorrectly about infectivity and antibody status.
• Approximately 50% held attitudes inconsistent with CDC guidelines for HIV testing.
• Dentists with non-recommended attitudes scored lower on knowledge questions.
• 92% reported using gloves, with lower knowledge scores among non-users.

Conclusions:

• Lack of knowledge regarding HIV is linked to non-recommended attitudes and behaviors among dentists.
• The findings underscore the necessity for continuous education and updated information on HIV for dental professionals.
• Improved knowledge and adherence to guidelines are essential for patient and provider safety.