Caregivers' knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding oral lesions in HIV-patients

Objectives: To determine knowledge, attitudes and practices of caregivers regarding oral lesions in HIV-patients in care-giving institutions in Johannesburg. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved a population of caregivers in the only four palliative care institutions in Region C of the Johannesburg Metropolitan area (n= 52). Using a self-administered questionnaire, information obtained included demographics, knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) with regards oral care for HIV-positive patients. Principal component analysis was used to extract questionnaire items constituting the dimension(s) of KAP. The reliability of the scales derived was assessed using Cronbach ¦Á-score. Results: All scales of KAP had good reliability (Cronbach ¦Á-score ≥0.80). Of the caregivers, 65.4% had received training in oral care. Compared to caregivers not trained in oral health care (NTOC), those caregivers trained in oral health care (TOC), were more likely to be older (31yrs vs. 44yrs; p=0.001), females (72% vs.94%; p=0.03) and were less likely to be employed on a full-time basis (94% vs. 68%; p=0.03). Compared to NTOCs, TOCs had more knowledge about HIV-specific lesions and knowledge pertaining to oral care for the affected patients (p< 0.005). Similarly, compared to NTOCs, TOCs had more positive attitude towards oral cleaning for those living with HIV (p< 0.05). However, the self-reported extent of direct involvement in providing care for those with HIV-related and general oral conditions was greater among NTOCs than TOCs (p<0.05). Conclusions: The study findings suggest that offering training in oral health care to caregivers improves their knowledge of oral lesions and attitudes towards oral care, and may have moderated the extent of the caregivers direct involvement in caring for those with HIV-related mouth problems.