HIV/AIDS and Dental Professionals in Nigeria: Atttitudes, Behaviours and Needs

Objectives: This study sought to evaluate the attitudes, behaviours and the needs of dental professionals towards HIV/AIDS.Methods: This was a cross-sectional self administered questionnaire study conducted in six geo-political zones of Nigeria. The questionnaire asked about demographic information, general knowledge of HIV/AIDS and its oral manifestations, adequacy of infection control, fear of occupational exposure, attitudes towards HIV positive patients and areas of need for further training. Results: 75 dental professionals responded to the questionnaire of which 52 (69.3%) were male. There were 26 (34.7%) dentists, 26 (34.7%) dental therapists and 23 (30.7%) dental technologists. Nearly all (90%) the respondents did not know the prevalence rate of HIV in Nigeria as at the time of the study. More than half (61.3%) said they will not treat a patient who discloses his/her sero -positivity. 72% agreed that they will inform their colleagues if their patient is HIV positive. 84.0% will not allow a HIV positive colleague to treat them or their relation while 53.3% felt that a dental professional should not continue to work after been infected with HIV. 85% would request for HIV test on a patient without consent if they suspect that such individual maybe HIV positive. 68% believed that despite their knowledge of HIV/AIDS, they are still afraid of contracting HIV in the dental clinic.

Sadly, 28% still believed that HIV/AIDS can be cured. Asked about areas of further training, 44.0% indicated need for training on the identification of oral manifestations of HIV/AIDS, 49.3% on Infection control and practices and 6.7% on rights of people living with AIDS (PLWA). Conclusion: There is still a huge need for fora to discuss prevalent issues on the oral manifestations of HIV/AIDS, Infection Control Practices and the rights of HIV/AIDS patients.