Publication:

Patient’s knowledge about HIV and willingness toward rapid HIV oral testing in dental settings, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Background As various dental procedures can transmit HIV, rapid HIV oral testing facilities in dental settings could play a major role in prevention of HIV infection. Being most popular HIV testing methods worldwide, the rapid HIV oral test is not available in India and its level of acceptance in Indian dental settings is unexplored. This study conducted with the objective to assess patient’s knowledge about HIV and their willingness toward rapid HIV oral testing in dental settings.

Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in two dental clinics selected from two different largest mixed socioeconomic housing societies of Jodhpur respectively. A semi structured questionnaire consisting of demographics, respondent’s general knowledge towards AIDS/HIV infection, willingness towards HIV rapid oral test was developed for data collection. Standard descriptive statistics were calculated and comparisons between demographic data and willingness to get tested in dental setting, awareness for HIV etc. were analyzed.

Results Total of 473 age-eligible patients were surveyed out of which 214 were males. The difference about the knowledge of HIV/AIDS between two groups of education levels (p<0.05) was statistically significant and almost 82% of these respondents were willing to have HIV oral rapid saliva testing as a part of regular dental appointment.

Conclusions It can be concluded that dental patient generally are willing for HIV rapid oral testing, but additional studies are needed to explore relevant policy implications.