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ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Year : 2014  |  Volume : 2  |  Issue : 2  |  Page : 56-61

A survey of human immunodeficiency virus-related knowledge and attitude among dental professionals and students


1 Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Al Badar Rural Dental College and Hospital, Gulbarga, Karnataka, India
2 Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Al Badar Rural Dental College and Hospital, Gulbarga, Karnataka, India

Correspondence Address:
Syeda A Ara
Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Al Badar Rural Dental College and Hospital, Gulbarga, Karnataka
India
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Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None


DOI: 10.4103/2321-9157.159971

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Background: Kimberly. A. Bergalis was one among the six patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the first reported case after visiting a dentist with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). As the number of patients with HIV/AIDS is increasing, the need for medical and dental care is also increasing. Practitioners have to enhance their knowledge about the disease, its manifestations, prevention, and management. Aim: The aim was to evaluate HIV-related knowledge and attitude among dental professionals and students. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire survey, which was distributed among 140 participants belonging to Al Badar Dental College and Hospital, Gulbarga, Karnataka. Result: The respondents overall mean knowledge score was good, 62.88%. The overall mean attitude score was 72.05% (7.92 ± 2.86) with a statistical significance (Z = 2.37, P < 0.05) shown by the males (79.68%, 8.76 ± 3.21) than females (67.72%, 7.44 ± 2.6). Conclusion: "Higher level of knowledge has higher attitude and willingness to treat HIV/AIDS patients," thus proving a need for a greater awareness among the undergraduates whose present level of knowledge is inadequate to function as part of a dental health care team in a country with a high prevalence of HIV. This article attempts to assess and reflect how much we need to improve our education system so as to be foolproof against this virus of mass destruction because forewarned is forearmed.


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