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VOLUME 13 , ISSUE 2 ( March-April, 2022 ) > List of Articles

ORIGINAL RESEARCH

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices about HIV: A Pilot Study among Tunisian Dentists

Amira Besbes, Wafa Nasri, Rabaa Nafti, Cyrine Bennasrallah

Keywords : Attitudes, Dentists, HIV, Knowledge, Practices, Questionnaire

Citation Information : Besbes A, Nasri W, Nafti R, Bennasrallah C. Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices about HIV: A Pilot Study among Tunisian Dentists. World J Dent 2022; 13 (2):155-160.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10015-1919

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 31-01-2022

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2022; The Author(s).


Abstract

Aim and objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Tunisian dentists about HIV/AIDS. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional pilot study was carried out on Tunisian dentists using an online survey. The questionnaire included 34 questions investigating knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the participants. Knowledge attitudes and practices were assessed according to three different scales. Results: A total of 234 dentists participated in the study. This study showed that 33% of the respondents demonstrated sufficient level of knowledge and 36% of them demonstrated good level. About 90% of them showed excellent practices. In addition, 54% of the participants had neutral attitudes and 42% had positive attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS. A significant negative correlation between age and knowledge score was found (p = 0.001). A significant association between knowledge score and the period experience less than 5 years (p = 0.022) was found. Conclusion: Tunisian dentists had good knowledge and adequate practices about HIV. About a half of the participants expressed hesitation in treating patients with HIV/AIDS. Dental and therapeutic continued education programs are needed to improve their attitudes. Clinical significance: Good knowledge, attitudes, and practices about HIV in the dental setting allows to ensure an adequate dental care for people living with HIV/AIDS and to enhance infection control and safety for both patients and dental staff.


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