title: Knowledge, practices and attitudes towards HIV positive and AIDS patients among dental auxiliaries.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess knowledge, practices and attitudes towards HIV positive and AIDS patients amongst 71 dental auxiliaries using on a self administered questionnaire. 65 (91.5%) returned the questionnaire. In general, respondents' knowledge was fair. 87.7% felt that dentistry as practised in Kenya today carries a high risk of transmission of HIV primarily because of improper sterilization of instruments. 72.3% had changed their sex habits since they became aware of the dangers posed by indiscriminate sex. Over 67% used gloves and masks routinely when assisting in the management of AIDS patients. Over 33% did not use protective eye wear and protective covers on operatories routinely because they were not provided by the employer. 27.7% felt that AIDS and HIV positive health workers should stop treating patients. 64.6% advocated that the cost of buying materials and equipment to prevent cross infection be met by the patient and the employer or dentist. 23.1% supported the idea that HIV positive and AIDS patients be isolated from uninfected individuals. In conclusion, a substantial number of dental auxiliaries were wanting in their knowledge, practices and attitudes towards HIV positive/AIDS patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental Surgery, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi.
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Kaimenyi
authors.forename: F L
authors.initials: FL
authors.lastname: Ndung'u
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003727:Dental Auxiliaries / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy / Q000635:transmission; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional; D017757:Infectious Disease Transmission, Professional-to-Patient; D007630:Kenya / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012725:Sexual Behavior