Publication:

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

Background Clinical training is a part of curriculum for the dental students. They are trained in dental procedures, where there is a chance of exposure to HIV infection. Hence this study was conducted with an objective to assess their knowledge, attitude to treat these patients.

Methods An institutional based study was carried out among 145 dental students at Malla Reddy Dental College for Women. A questionnaire with 29 questions on knowledge, attitude and willing to treat the HIV/AIDS patients which was already used in other study was adapted. Primary outcome- knowledge and attitude was measured in percentages, proportions using SPSS version 20 and Chi-square.

Results Total subjects who had good knowledge were 71 (48.9%) and 137(94.5%) viewed needle stick injury can transmit HIV virus. 138 (98.1%) agreed that it is their moral responsibility to treat HIV/AIDS patients and risk of HIV transmission is high, hence special precautions have to be followed to treat them. Positive attitude towards HIV/AIDS patients was reported among 129(89%) of students. Chi square test showed an association between knowledge and attitude among study subjects which was statistically significant at p <0.05 level.

Conclusions Active student’s collaboration for treatment compliance of HIV/AIDS patients should be directed towards comprehensive training in the dental colleges which forms a basis for provision of appropriate, optimal dental care improving oral health related quality of life in people living with HIV.