Factors associated with refusal to treat HIV-infected patients: the results of a national survey of dentists in Canada.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated dentists refusal to treat patients who have HIV.


METHODS
A survey was mailed to a random sample of all licensed dentists in Canada, with 3 follow-up attempts (n = 6444). Data were weighted to allow for probability of selection and nonresponse and analyzed with Pearson's chi 2 and multiple logistic regression.


RESULTS
The response rate was 66%. Of the respondents, 32% had knowingly treated HIV-infected patients in the last year; 16% would refuse to treat HIV-infected patients. Respondents reported willingness to treat HIV-infected patients (81%), injection drug users (86%), hepatitis B virus-infected patients (87%), homosexual and bisexual persons (94%), individuals with sexually transmitted disease(s) (94%), and recipients of blood and blood products (97%). The best predictors of refusal to treat patients with HIV were lack of ethical responsibility (odds ratio = 9.0) and items related to fear of cross-infection or lack of knowledge of HIV.


CONCLUSIONS
One in 6 dentists reported refusal to treat HIV-infected patients, which was associated primarily with respondents' lack of belief in an ethical responsibility to treat patients with HIV and fears related to cross-infection. These results have implications for undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing education.
McCarthy
G M
GM
School of Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London. gmccarth@julian.uwo.ca
Koval
J J
JJ
MacDonald
J K
JK
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002170:Canada; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control; D003815:Dentists / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004990:Ethics, Dental; D005239:Fear; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000628:therapy*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D028681:Moral Obligations; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D016079:Refusal to Treat / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires