Knowledge and attitudes of Korean dentists towards human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

Content Provider	Europe PMC
Author	Park, Jung-Chul Choi, Seong-Ho Kim, Yong-Tae Kim, Sun-Jong Kang, Hee-Jung Lee, Jong-Ho Shin, Seung-Chul Cha, Young Joo
Copyright Year	2011
Abstract	PurposeInfection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a major global threat, and although the prevalence is comparatively still very low, the number of HIV-positive Koreans is increasing. However, there are no official guidelines as to how to treat people living with HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA) or how to screen for potentially infectious people. This study assessed the level of knowledge and attitudes of dentists in Korea toward PLWHA, and their attitudes to screening patients for HIV infections.MethodsA cross-sectional prospective survey targeting dentists working in Korea was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire.ResultsA satisfactory level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS and a relatively positive attitude toward PLWHA was found. Most of the respondents preferred rapid HIV testing using oral fluid as a specimen. The general attitude of dentists toward HIV/AIDS is sufficiently positive to enable provision of the best treatment to the patients in need.ConclusionsMost of the dentists require HIV testing in dental clinics. In spite of their needs, there are several obstacles. It is hoped that financial considerations and official legal requirements related to HIV testing strategies will be considered.
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ISSN	20932278
Journal	Journal of Periodontal & Implant Science [J Periodontal Implant Sci]
Volume Number	41
DOI	10.5051/jpis.2011.41.1.3
PubMed Central reference number	PMC3051054
Issue Number	1
PubMed reference number	21394291
e-ISSN	20932286
Language	English
Publisher	Korean Academy of Periodontology
Publisher Date	2011-02-28
Access Restriction	Open
Rights License	This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/). Copyright © 2011 Korean Academy of Periodontology
Subject Keyword	Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome AIDS-related opportunistic infections Data collection HIV long-term survivors HIV
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article
Subject	Oral Surgery Periodontics