Dental patients' knowledge and awareness about transmission ways of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the patients' attitude, knowledge and awareness about HIV/AIDS. And secondary aim was to assess the need for further education about HIV/AIDS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A questionnaire of 39 items was used to evaluate the patients' knowledge. 301 patients were included (mean age 37.12±7.85 years, 41.5% male, 58.5% female) in the study. Results were calculated by Students t-test, Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Most of the patients had accurate knowledge about transmission ways, however transmission through breastfeeding (31.6%), public restrooms (44.9%), and insects and mosquitos bite (47.2%) were less recognized. Saliva (32.2%), urine (36.9%), tears (58.5%), sweat (54.5%), breast milk (30.6%), feces (36.9%) and cerebrospinal fluid (7.3%) were less recognized body fluids. Generally university and postgraduate educated patients had more accurate knowledge than other groups. 63.1% of patients thought that they need further education about HIV/AI DS.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study showed that the knowledge level about HIV/AIDS was almost agreeable. However, the patients had deficiencies with respect to their knowl-edge. Therefore the authors of this study believe that there must be education programs related to HIV/AIDS.