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Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice towards HIV Patients among Dentists
R S Dhanya1, Vijaya Hegde2, S Anila3
1Department of Public Health Dentistry, PSM Dental College, Akkikavu, Trichur, Kerala, India.
Summary
Many dentists in Kerala show reluctance to treat patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study found that fear and perceived personal risk contribute to this hesitancy, particularly among senior dental professionals.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Dental Medicine
Background:
- Discrimination against individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by healthcare workers, including dentists, is a documented issue.
- Understanding the factors influencing dentists' willingness to treat HIV patients is crucial for equitable healthcare access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of dentists in Trichur district, Kerala, regarding the treatment of patients with HIV.
- To identify barriers and facilitators influencing dentists' willingness to provide care to HIV-infected individuals.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 206 dentists in Trichur district, Kerala.
- Data was collected using a pretested, self-administered 26-item questionnaire.
- Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 20.
Main Results:
- 39.3% of participating dentists expressed unwillingness to treat HIV patients.
- A statistically significant association was found between willingness to treat HIV patients and age groups (P=0.0001).
- Willingness to treat HIV patients was also significantly associated with perceptions of ethical responsibility (P=0.0001).
Conclusions:
- Concerns regarding staff fears and increased personal risk were the most frequently reported reasons for reluctance among dentists in Trichur district.
- Senior dentists demonstrated a greater reluctance to treat HIV-positive individuals compared to their younger counterparts.
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