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Predicting dentists' perceived occupational risk for HIV infection
1School of Dental and Oral Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032.
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|June 1, 1993
Summary
Many general practice dentists perceive occupational risks with treating HIV patients. Interventions should focus on practice economics, ethics, and exposure, not just transmission facts.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Infectious Diseases
- Occupational Health
Background:
- General practice dentists (GPDs) play a crucial role in public health.
- Understanding their perception of occupational risk for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is vital for patient care and professional well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the perceived occupational risk among American GPDs regarding HIV infection.
- To identify factors influencing GPDs' perception of occupational risk for HIV infection.
Main Methods:
- A national mail survey was conducted among 1351 American GPDs.
- Data were analyzed using multiple regression to identify significant influencing variables.
Main Results:
- 31% of GPDs disagreed that HIV+ individuals could be safely treated in their offices.
- Key influencing factors included practice economics, ethical obligations, prior patient exposure, perceived risks from exposures, and concerns about treating homosexuals.
- Continuing education and personal worry about transmission also played significant roles.
Conclusions:
- Perceived occupational risk is influenced by a complex interplay of economic, ethical, and personal factors, beyond just knowledge of transmission or infection control effectiveness.
- Intervention programs should prioritize addressing practice viability, professional ethics, and structured educational experiences with HIV-infected patients.