Evaluation of Knowledge and Attitude of Dental Hygienists and Dental Assistants Regarding People Living with HIV/AIDS and HIV-Associated Oral and Periodontal Lesions in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Oral manifestations serve as important indicators of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and dental healthcare practitioners play a pivotal role in preventing and managing HIV. This study aims to assess and compare the knowledge and attitude of dental assistants and dental hygienists concerning people with HIV/acquired Immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients in Jeddah province of Saudi Arabia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional survey enrolled 160 dental hygienists and assistants practicing in Jeddah. Data was collected using a pretested, self-administered questionnaire comprising 50 questions that investigated knowledge about HIV/AIDS, awareness of HIV-associated oral and periodontal lesions, understanding of HIV transmission routes, and attitudes toward people with AIDS.

RESULTS

In the study, 120 (75.0%) participants correctly recognized that individuals with HIV may appear healthy, while 123 (76.9%) participants admitted that HIV carriers have lower resistance to other diseases. Additionally, 126 (78.8%) participants confirmed an association between the virus and oral lesions, and 137 (85.6%) participants were aware of HIV transmission through blood. Moreover, 150 (93.7%) participants expressed their willingness to support, treat, and assist patients with AIDS, while only 10 (6.3%) participants expressed unwillingness. Notably, no statistically significant differences were found between dental assistants and hygienists in their knowledge and attitudes toward HIV/AIDS and people with AIDS.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that dental hygienists and assistants possess good general knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS and are well-informed about the disease's transmission routes. Moreover, a significant majority endorses the importance of treating and supporting AIDS patients.

HIV and syphilis knowledge, perceptions, and practices among Myanmar migrant workers in Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand

BACKGROUND

Thailand has been one of the largest migration hubs in Southeast Asia for the past four decades and keeps attracting migrants from neighboring countries. Due to difficulties associated with their status, migration can place individuals at a heightened risk for sexually transmitted diseases. This study aimed to examine factors influencing HIV and syphilis preventive behaviors among Myanmar migrants in Samut Sakhon, Thailand.

METHODS

A cross-sectional mixed-method study was conducted among Myanmar migrants aged 18 years and above in Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand. To fulfill this study's aims, four hundred seventy-three respondents completed a survey to provide quantitative data, and eight participants completed in-depth qualitative interviews. The factors associated with protective sexual behaviors were identified with multiple logistic regression analysis of the quantitative study data and thematic analysis of the qualitative data.

RESULTS

The respondents showed good knowledge of HIV and syphilis (50.1%), but over half (55.6%) exhibited the negative perception of sexually transmitted disease prevention; about 81.4% of male respondents never used a condom when they had sexual intercourse in the past year. Based on multivariate analysis, income expenses-balance (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.379, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.002-5.731, p = 0.049), number of sex partners (AOR = 3.044, 95% CI: 1.339-6.924, p = 0.008), and having sex with a prostitute (AOR = 6.085, 95% CI: 1.28-28.918, p = 0.023) were all statistically associated with unprotected sex. In the qualitative analysis, knowledge, understanding, beliefs; the influence of culture, community, and environment; and condom perceptions were also important factors.

CONCLUSION

Low use of condoms in sexual practice was identified, and the appropriate intervention or approach to improve the utilization of condoms in the community was provided.

HIV knowledge, attitudes and practices amongst patients with severe mental illnesses and chronic medical illnesses in Durban, South Africa

BACKGROUND

Studies exploring HIV knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) have suggested their poorer knowledge about HIV. In KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province, South Africa (SA), the epicentre of the country's HIV epidemic, improving KAP is essential for reduce its incidence amongst individuals with SMI. Comparing the KAP related to HIV between those with SMI and chronic medical illnesses (CMI) such as hypertension and diabetes may expose gaps in KAP related to HIV in the mentally ill who are more vulnerable to HIV.

AIM

This study aimed to compare the KAP related to HIV between people living with SMI and CMI.

SETTING

Outpatient clinics in Durban, SA.

METHODS

A cross-sectional structured questionnaire survey was conducted amongst 214 adult outpatients with SMI and CMI attending two general public sector hospitals in Durban, KZN. The KAP questionnaire consisted of three sections: general information, prevention and transmission of HIV.

RESULTS

Interviews were conducted with 124 patients with SMI and 90 with CMI. Most were female (69.5%), single (57.5%) and unemployed (59.4%). The diagnosis of SMI was associated with poorer general information of HIV (p = 0.02), but not with its prevention and transmission compared with those with CMI. Educational level was associated with poorer performance in all three domains: general information of HIV (p = 0.01), prevention (p = 0.01) and transmission (p = 0.02) amongst all the participants.

CONCLUSION

Gaps in the KAP of HIV amongst individuals with SMI compared with those with CMI suggested a need to provide focused health promotion regarding sexual health and HIV to the mentally ill at psychiatric facilities.

Caregiver's burden of children living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy at an urban setup

Context:

Availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has helped to decrease morbidity and increase the longevity of children living with Human Immunodeficiency Syndrome (CLHIV/CLHA). These children require the special involvement of family members for adherence to care and support programs. Long-term caregiving stress can result in physical, social, emotional, and medical consequences for both the caregiver and the CLHIV. This study explores the burden and needs for support among CLHIV caregivers.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted at an ART Centre of Tertiary level Health Care Institute among 126 caregivers of CLHIV pretested and piloted semi-structured questionnaire and Zarit Burden Interview Scale (ZBIS) were employed to assess study objectives. Descriptive statistics and caregiver burden scoring were calculated. ZBIS score of 22 and above were considered additional burden for caregivers.

Results:

Mean age of caregivers was 34 ± 7.15 years. Among 126 CLHIV caregivers, 116 were female, while 110 had positive HIV serostatus. Ninety-seven percent disclosed their and the child's status to one or more family members. Mean caregiver ZBIS was 25 ± 7.08 with 71.5% caregivers having mild-to-severe levels of burden. Around 85% of caregivers knew correctly about four routes of HIV transmission although 8.7% had misconception regarding HIV transmission.

Conclusions:

ZBIS assessment shows emotional, financial, and future of child-related burden among CLHIV caregivers. There were gaps in the knowledge about HIV transmission, care and support needs of the CLHIV. The acquisition of HIV from parents in CLHIV suggests the need of strengthening the prevention of parent-to-child transmission program in Indian settings.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of HIV/AIDS among workers at China first highway engineering Company at Bilibila Sokota Road Project, Sokota, Ethiopia

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess Bilbila Sokota Road Project workers' knowledge, attitude and practice on HIV/AIDS in China first highway engineering Company.

METHODS

A cross sectional Survey was conducted among workers in China first high way engineering Company at Bilbila Sokota road project, Sokota, Ethiopia. Fifty-five workers were taken from project site/company. Data was collected using a validated self-administrated standardized questionnaire on Knowledge, attitude and practice including behavioral change regarding HIV/AIDS. Descriptive statistics and multivariate and bivaraite logistic regression were employed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical soft ware. P-value < 0.05 was used as a significant difference.

RESULT

Among the 54 workers' who participated in the study, most (96.3%) had ever heard of the diseases HIV/AIDS. The majority 32 (59.3%) of participants were respond that mass media. Followed by NGOs (29.6%). Thirty-three (61.1%) of the study participant were believed that HIV + mother infect their unborn child and 12 (22.2%) were not believed. Forty-six (85.2%) of participants had knew about how to use a condom correctly. Meanwhile, 40 (74.1%) were agreed that is acceptable for single men or women to use condom. Furthermore, Only 18 (33.3%) of them had used condom during last two time's sexual intercourse with other partners. Twenty-Seven (50%) of participants did not feel about their risk of becoming infected with HIV or another sexually transmitted infection. But, 10 (18.5%) were feel they are at risk of becoming infected with HIV or another sexually transmitted infection in study area. Mean knowledge scores was significantly difference by source of information on sexual health do workers' think most credible at their work place (P= 0.014) in the Company However, there was no any significantly difference by all components of attitude and practice toward to HIV/AIDS (P> 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The findings shown that participants had ever heard about HIV/AIDS. Only Mass media and NGOs were used as the major source of information about HIV/AIDS. This implies it may be lack of further health education and training about all source of information regarding HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS prevention and control training and health education efforts should be intensified to improve the attitude and practice workers in china first highway engineering company at Bilbila Sokota Road Project.

AIDS Awareness: Indispensible Prerequisite Among Fishermen Population

OBJECTIVES

Fishermen are among the most vulnerable groups for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS with reported high prevalence. Poor knowledge base has been evidenced by a few studies. The present study was conducted to assess the knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS among fishermen of the Kutch coast, Gujarat, India.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 950 fishermen of the Kutch coast, in the months of January-February 2015. Knowledge of HIV/AIDS of fishermen was assessed using structured interview schedules with 12 questions. The information on socio-demographic characteristics was also obtained. Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. The confidence level and level of significance were fixed at 95% and 5%, respectively.

RESULTS

A major proportion of participants (57.2%) had no access to any potential source of information and had never heard about HIV/AIDS (65.1%). Some of them were aware of modes of transmission of AIDS but only a few of them knew about the methods of prevention. Only 23.1% of participants were observed with appropriate knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS. Bivariate and multivariate analysis revealed significant variation in the proportion of participants with appropriate knowledge with age and educational status.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the knowledge of the fishermen community in the present study was evidenced to be poor creating an alarming situation demanding educative interventions as a part of AIDS control programs.

Analysis of cognitive variables and sexual risk behaviors among infected and HIV-uninfected people from Spain

The wider availability of anti-retroviral treatment has brought about an improvement in the immunological situation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals, which in turn has led to significant reductions in AIDS-related morbidity and mortality and better quality of life for patients. However, the rate of diagnosis of new cases of HIV among the adult population is on the increase due to high-risk sexual behavior practices, particularly not using condoms, sexual relations with a large number of partners and starting sexual relations at a younger age, with unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. For this reason, public health managers have invested considerable effort in recent years in creating STI and HIV prevention programs. Yet, in spite of the implementation of measures for reducing the rates of infection, few studies have been published in Spain comparing individuals living with HIV with the general population about cognitive variables and the link between these variables and high-risk sexual behavior. The objective was to compare a group of individuals living with HIV with another group from the general population in terms of cognitive variables (knowledge about STIs and HIV, concern about STI/HIV and pregnancy, self-efficacy to refuse sexual relations and resilience) and sexual behavior. The sample consisted of 318 adults, 159 were from the general population and 159 were individuals living with HIV. Individuals living with HIV had higher scores for concern about HIV/AIDS, STIs, pregnancy and knowledge of STI/HIV compared with the general population. We concluded that uninfected people who had low and high level of concern about HIV/AIDS began having anal sex at a younger age than those with a medium level of concern. Overall, results indicate that the concern about HIV/AIDS should be addressed in preventive health interventions to minimize the risks of sexual behavior.

Across sectional study: the knowledge, attitude, perception, misconception and views (KAPMV) of adult family members of people living with human immune virus-HIV acquired immune deficiency syndrome-AIDS (PLWHA)

We intended to assess knowledge, attitude, perception, misconception and views (KAP-MV) of family members of PLWHA. A cross-sectional retrospective study conducted in Anti-retroviral centre of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial-MGM hospital, Warangal, Telangana, South-India from July to September 2014. A questionnaire containing 41 items was distributed among adult family members accompanying patients living with HIV/AIDS-PLWHA. Level of KAP-MV was categorized into poor (0-28), average (29-55) and good (56-82). Analysis was performed by Pearson's Chi square, analysis of variance and Spearman's correlation test on 41 variables using SPSS version 21 and p < 0.01. 538 questionnaires were distributed, response rate was (96 %). On knowledge scale, respondents had a mean score of 8.0 ± 1.7, attitude 5.8 ± 3.4, perception 23.4 ± 4.1, misconceptions 8.0 ± 2.1 and views 8.0 ± 3.9. The respondents mean score was 53.2 ± 9.1 (64.9 %). Overall, level of education, marital status, religious beliefs, and employment status has significant (p < 0.001) associations with KAP-MV. Knowledge was significantly correlated with respondents' attitude (r = -0.15, p < 0.001), perception (0.39; p < 0.001), and views (0.381; p < 0.001). Family members of PLWHA with less knowledge score had more negative attitude, perception and views. Level of education, marital status, religious beliefs and employment status were identified as key barriers. Interventions targeting family members of PLWHA are warranted. Practice implications are as follows: Encourage role of family members.Deploy interventions.Minimize barriers.Change misconceptions.

Knowledge and Attitude about HIV/AIDS among HIV-Positive Individuals in Davangere

A cross-sectional study was carried out on 100 HIV patients (55 male and 45 female) age 21 years and older registered at the Antiretroviral Therapy Centre of Chigateri General Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka, India, to evaluate their knowledge and attitude toward HIV. Overall, the source of knowledge about AIDS was through newspaper or television, 38% were aware of their AIDS status, 61% disclosed their status to family, 86% had incorrect knowledge about transmission, 57% experienced no moral support, 62% felt stigmatized, 52% discriminated against, 44% were denied treatment, 57% felt isolated, 54% experienced difficulty in carrying out daily activity, 52% of patients' social and personal life was affected, and 41% felt shy when disclosing their disease. This data reveals the need to consider the basic knowledge of the HIV patients about HIV/AIDS.