فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

CONTEXT: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a public health problem in India. Dentist playsan important role in diagnosing since oral lesions are common in HIV‑positive patients and have anethical responsibility to provide treatment to them.AIMS: This study aims to explore educational and promotional opportunities for implementing oralrapid HIV testing (ORHT) among dentists in Bengaluru, India.SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross‑sectional study was conducted among 300 dentists. Dentistswere included from private practice, dental practice in general hospital, and dental teaching/hospitals.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A 43‑item questionnaire was used to assess demographics, educationalknowledge on HIV and ORHT, attitude toward HIV patients, and willingness to promote ORHT andperceived barriers of performing ORHT.STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The data were evaluated using SPSS 22. Student’s t‑test,Chi‑square, Pearson correlation, and binary logistics were used keeping P value at 5%.RESULTS: Mean age of the participants was 38.97 ± 7.69 years with equal distribution of genderand practice. Majority were postgraduates (63.0%) and having general practice (56.6%). Althoughtwo‑thirds of the participants belong to high score category, the mean knowledge level is below 50%.Mean score of knowledge was 10.70 ± 2.5. One hundred and thirty (43.3%) dentists were aware ofORHT, and 228 (76%) thought that ORHT was needed in the dental clinic. Dentist having specialtypractice felt more accepting of ORHT (odds ratio = 2.455, 95% confidence interval 1.186–5.463).The lack of knowledge and training was the main barrier (39%) to conduct ORHT.CONCLUSIONS: The level of knowledge of the dentist about HIV/AIDS was acceptable. Majorityof the dentist thought that ORHT is needed in a dental clinic. Overall, there was positive attitudetoward HIV patients and ORHT.