Premium
Dental hygienists behaviour towards HIV‐positive patients in highly active antiretroviral therapy era: a pilot survey
Author(s) -
Giuliani M,
Tumbarello M,
Marino MC,
Capodiferro S,
Scivetti M,
Rezza G,
Cauda R,
Lajolo C
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
international journal of dental hygiene
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.674
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 1601-5037
pISSN - 1601-5029
DOI - 10.1111/j.1601-5037.2010.00472.x
Subject(s) - medicine , family medicine , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , confidence interval , odds ratio , antiretroviral therapy , observational study , viral load
To cite this article:Int J Dent Hygiene9 , 2011; 204–210
DOI:10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2010.00472.x M Giuliani, M Tumbarello, MC Marino, S Capodiferro, M Scivetti, G Rezza, R Cauda, C Lajolo. Dental hygienists behaviour towards HIV‐positive patients in highly active antiretroviral therapy era: a pilot survey. Abstract: Objectives: Literature reports highlighted the presence of discriminatory episodes towards individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on behalf of dental care workers. The purpose of this study was to assess hygienists’ attitude when treating HIV‐infected individuals in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Methods: A national observational study was carried out on all the members of an Italian hygienist association. An anonymous questionnaire was mailed to 1247 hygienists: the questionnaire investigated demographic data, the relationship between the hygienists and HIV‐infected persons, to identify the presence of discriminatory behaviour, the hygienists’ scientific knowledge of HIV‐related problems and the precautions normally used in the office to prevent cross‐infections. Results: Of the 1247 questionnaires that were delivered to hygienists, 287 (23%) were completed and returned within a 6‐month period. A total of 287 hygienists answered the question ‘Did you ever deny treatment to an HIV‐infected persons?’ and 17 hygienists (5.9%) replied ‘Yes’. Protective eyewear [odds ratio (OR), 0.036; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.002–0.818; P = 0.037] and public practice [OR, 2.93; 95% CI, 0.97–8.87; P = 0.057] were associated with refusing to treat HIV‐infected persons. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the existence of episodes of discrimination by some hygienists towards HIV‐infected individuals. From clinical point of view, this discriminatory behaviour may expose the dental health care workers and their patients to a greater risk of cross‐infection.