title: Geographic differences in the attitudes, knowledge and infection control practices of Ontario dentists.
abstract: Geographic differences in the HIV related attitudes, knowledge and behaviours of 5,997 dentists in Ontario were investigated using mailed questionnaires (response rate 70%). Proportionately more respondents from larger population centres reported that they knowingly treated HIV-infected patients (p < 0.00001), they were unwilling to treat HIV-infected patients (p < 0.05), they had an exaggerated perception of the risk of HIV infection after a needlestick injury (p < 0.01), they were concerned about personal risk (p < 0.01) and staff fears (p < 0.05) related to HIV/AIDS, and that patients with HIV or AIDS should be treated in hospitals/specialized practices (p < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis controlling for age, sex, and specialty, showed that respondents who practised in smaller population centres were significantly more willing to treat HIV-infected patients ( < 10,000, odds ratio = 1.6; 10,000-49,999, odds ratio = 1.3). Significantly fewer respondents in the Central West, and Central East Health Planning Region, where AIDS is most prevalent, reported that they were willing to treat HIV patients.
authors: Faculty of Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London.
authors: G M
authors: GM
authors: McCarthy
authors: J J
authors: JJ
authors: Koval
authors: J K
authors: JK
authors: MacDonald
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003815:Dentists / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000628:therapy; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D009864:Ontario; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D016079:Refusal to Treat; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires