Knowledge and attitudes of dental professionals toward patients with HIV/AIDS: a systematic review on discrimination in dental care
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Abstract
Objective: to explore the knowledge and attitudes of dental professionals toward patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/ Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and to highlight evidence of discriminatory practices in dental care.
Methods: This qualitative systematic review was conducted by searching PubMed and Bireme databases for articles published between 2018 and 2022. Inclusion criteria were studies focusing on dental professionals, addressing either knowledge or attitudes regarding HIV/AIDS, and involving care provided to HIV-positive patients. A total of 1088 articles were initially retrieved. After removing duplicates and applying eligibility criteria based on the PRISMA guidelines, nine cross-sectional studies from India, Brazil, Iran, Indonesia, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia were included. The total sample size across studies was 2,455 dental professionals. Quality appraisal was done using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist.
Results: The review revealed inconsistent levels of knowledge among dental professionals. While some participants demonstrated good awareness of HIV transmission and biosafety measures, significant gaps remained, especially regarding antiretroviral therapy and modes of infection. Despite this, high levels of fear and discomfort treating HIV-positive patients were commonly reported. Passive discriminatory attitudes included anxiety, avoidance, and lack of confidence, whereas active discrimination manifested through denial of treatment, preference for referrals, and reluctance to employ or be treated by HIV-positive individuals.
Conclusion: This review highlights that despite moderate knowledge, negative attitudes and discriminatory practices remain prevalent. There is a critical need for targeted interventions, sensitization and training of dental professionals, and policy enforcement to ensure ethical, non-discriminatory dental care for people living with HIV/AIDS.
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