Access and use of specific dental services in HIV disease.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined factors associated with the use of specific dental services by persons with HIV disease.


METHODS
The data were derived from 1,588 adults who participated in a series of up to six interviews as part of the AIDS Cost and Service Utilization Surveys. Use of dental services such as examinations, x-rays, cleaning, fillings, extractions, root canals, crown and bridge or dentures, and periodontal procedures were evaluated using logistic regression and generalized estimating equations were applied.


RESULTS
Multivariate analyses showed that medical insurance, an education beyond high school, income higher than $1,300 per month, high ambulatory visits, and receipt of psychological counseling were generally associated with higher service use. Blacks, those with an inpatient admission, and CD4+ cell counts less than 500 cells/microL were significantly less likely to use most types of dental services.


CONCLUSIONS
The study concludes that disparities exist in the use of several dental services similar to those seen in the general population.
Mascarenhas
A K
AK
Section of Health Services Research, College of Dentistry, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, USA. mascarenhas.1@osu.edu
Smith
S R
SR
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D044383:Black People; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D003376:Counseling; D003442:Crowns / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003777:Dental Prophylaxis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003829:Denture, Partial / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003778:Dentures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D007348:Insurance, Health; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010343:Patient Admission; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D011861:Radiography, Dental / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012390:Root Canal Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data