Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: November | Volume: 6 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 440-444
Community insights about HIV/AIDS Transmission and awareness about Use of Dental Services Among general population and dental practitioners - A Comparative study
Dr Humaira Nazir
Dental Practioner, Sheikh Pharmacy & Dental Clinic, Brein Nishat Srinagr, J&K
ABSTRACT
Aims and Objective: The aim of the present study is to assess current status of dental practitioners and general public knowledge and attitude towards HIV/AIDS transmission and their awarness about use of dental services. The awareness of HIV/AIDS among dental practitioners and general public coming for oral checkups in the dental clinics may have an impact on the early detection, referral and prevention of the disease A cross-sectional questionnaire based study was undertaken to assess the knowledge of general population and dental practitioners working in different clinics and hospitals Srinagar, India, on HIV/AID and its preventive measures.
Materials and Methods: A Cross Sectional questionnaire based survey was conducted among 100 subjects out of which 62 were patients coming for general checkup in dental clinics and 18 were the dental practitioners and 20 subjects did not respond over a period of 6 months. Self prepared questionnaire were used which comprised of 30 closed ended questions. The data were coded and analyzed with SPSS software Version 17.
Results: Association was seen between general population and dental practitioners concern about AIDS transmission. Questions relating to knowledge of HIV/AIDS, risk factors, oral manifestations and opinions on its prevention and practices were posed. Only 80 subjects responded and returned the questionnaire. The barriers were patient acceptance, availability and also lack of knowledge. The overall result reveals a negative response in case of general public and comparatively, almost a positive awareness in case of dental practitioners.
Conclusion: Over all knowledge and attitude among general public subjects was found to be unsatisfactory.
Key words: General public, Dental practitioners, Knowledge, Attitude, HIV/AIDS
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