Attitudes Towards HIV-Infected Patients, Knowledge Related to HIV/Universal Precautions, and Infection Control Practices of Japanese Dentists

• Published in: JOURNAL OF DENTAL HEALTH Vol. 61; no. 3; pp. 273 - 281
• Main Authors: Akio TADA, Hidenobu SENPUKU
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: Japanese Society for Dental Health 01.07.2011
• ISSN: 0023-2831

Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore factors influencing attitudes towards HIV-infected patients, knowledge related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/universal precautions, and infection control practices (ICPs) of Japanese dentists, and to analyze the relationship between the attitude toward HIV-infected patients and knowledge related to HIV/universal precautions, and infection control practices in a population of Japanese dentists. Data on attitudes towards HIV-infected patients, knowledge related to HIV/universal precautions, and ICPs were obtained from 3,316 dentists in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, through questionnaires, which were then statistically analyzed. Overall, an age of 49 years or younger, specialist in oral surgery, and seeing 36 or more patients per day were positive significant predictors for attitudes towards HIV-infected patients, knowledge related to HIV/universal precautions, and ICPs. Those aged 49 years or younger were more likely to report desirable responses for all attitude items than older dentists. Those seeing 36 or more patients per day were more likely to report desirable ICPs in all but one item than those seeing 35 or less. In addition to being younger, specialty in oral surgery, seeing 36 or more patients per day, and having a higher knowledge index were significant positive associating factors for a higher infection control practice index. Dentists who are younger, have a specialty in oral surgery, or see more patients per day showed positive attitudes for dental care provision toward HIV-infected patients, greater knowledge related to HIV/universal precautions, and better compliance for ICPs. Knowledge related to HIV/universal precautions was positively related to ICPs.