title: Patient perspectives on improving oral health-care practices among people living with HIV/AIDS.
abstract: This qualitative study explored the impact on oral health-care knowledge, attitudes, and practices among 39 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) participating in a national initiative aimed at increasing access to oral health care. Personal values and childhood dental experiences, beliefs about the importance of oral health in relation to HIV health, and concerns for appearance and self-esteem were found to be determinants of oral health knowledge and practice. Program participation resulted in better hygiene practices, improved self-esteem and appearance, relief of pain, and better physical and emotional health. In-depth exploration of the causes for these changes revealed a desire to continue with dental care due to the dental staff and environmental setting, and a desire to maintain overall HIV health, including oral health. Our findings emphasize the importance of addressing both personal values and contextual factors in providing oral health-care services to PLWHA.
authors.affiliation: Boston University School of Public Health, Health & Disability Working Group, 715 Albany St., Boston, MA 02118, USA. rajabiun@bu.edu
authors.forename: Serena
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rajabiun
authors.forename: Jane E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Fox
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: McCluskey
authors.forename: Ernesto
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Guevara
authors.forename: Niko
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Verdecias
authors.forename: Yves
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Jeanty
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: DeMayo
authors.forename: Mahyar
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mofidi
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003729:Dental Care; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009909:Oral Health