Jt. Kaimenyi et Fl. Ndungu, KNOWLEDGE, PRACTICES AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS HIV-POSITIVE AND AIDS PATIENTS AMONG DENTAL AUXILIARIES, East African medical journal, 71(5), 1994, pp. 304-311
The purpose of this study was to assess knowledge, practices and attit
udes towards HIV positive and AIDS patients amongst 71 dental auxiliar
ies using on a self administered questionnaire. 65(91.5%) returned the
questionnaire. In general, respondents' knowledge was fair. 87.7% fel
t that dentistry as practised in Kenya today carries a high risk of tr
ansmission of HIV primarily because of improper sterilization of instr
uments. 72.3% had changed their sex habits since they became aware of
the dangers posed by indiscriminate sex. Over 67% used gloves and mask
s routinely when assisting in the management of AIDS patients. Over 33
% did not use protective eye wear and protective covers on operatories
routinely because they were not provided by the employer. 27.7% felt
that AIDS and HIV positive health workers should stop treating patient
s. 64.6% advocated that the cost of buying materials and equipment to
prevent cross infection be met by the patient and the employer or dent
ist. 23.1% supported the idea that HIV positive and AIDS patients be i
solated from uninfected individuals. In conclusion, a substantial numb
er of dental auxiliaries were wanting in their knowledge, practices an
d attitudes towards HIV positive/AIDS patients.