DENTAL-CARE OF INFECTIOUS PATIENTS IN DENMARK, 1986-1993 - THEORETICAL CONSIDERATIONS AND EMPIRICAL-FINDINGS

Changes in infection control and behavior and attitudes towards HIV-in fected patients from 1956 to 1992/93 were studied among a random sampl e of 335 Danish dentists; previous studies among random samples of Dan ish dentists served as references. 249 (74.3%) returned a mailed quest ionnaire together with a time, steam, temperature (TST) control indica tor strip processed in their steam autoclaves. 3.4% of the autoclaves had not sterilized properly, which was an insignificant decrease compa red to 1986. Overall, infection control had improved since 1986. In 19 92/93 17.3% of dentists surveyed reported use of gloves always: in 198 6 0.8% did so. Many (60.2%) reported at least one needlestick or cut a ccident within the last year. The number of dentists who were willing to treat HIV-infected patients and the number of clinics that found th ey could treat infectious patients safely had increased from 56.1% to 78.7% and from 43.0% to 66.8%, respectively, Other attitudinal dimensi ons, for example views on secrecy of HIV test results and HIV screenin g policy, had not changed. A conceptual model based on the theory of r easoned action formed the framework for multiple logistic regression a nalysis with two different outcomes: Willingness to treat HIV-infected individuals and Treatment of HIV-infected patients. In particular, ex pected staff problems turned out to have a high explanatory value (odd s ratio = 18.2) if HIV-infected patients were received. In both models Certainty about hygienic precautions had some explanatory value. The findings may give some clues about how to plan and implement future co ntinuing education on infection control and attitudinal and behavioral aspects of caring for infectious patients.