Assessment of awareness of HIV/AIDS among 500 patients referred to Dentistry Faculty of Ankara University-- Patients responses to a survey about AIDS/HIV in Dentistry Faculty of Ankara University.

Abstract:

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to assess the awareness of AIDS and it's contamination pathways in patients referred to Dentistry Faculty of Ankara University.

Methods: The study population comprised a random sample of 500 patients referred to Oral Diagnosis and Radiology Department for dental treatment. All patients were interviewed using a questionnaire. The questionnaire asked for the following information: participating patient's age, gender and educational level. In addition, the questionnaire comprised six basic questions aimed at assessing the respondent's general knowledge and attitude towards AIDS.

Results: Out of 500 respondents 65 had had the HIV test. 95.8% of the respondents were aware that AIDS was a transmissible disease. As 21 patients replied negatively they were not asked about the transmission modes of AIDS. 410 patients out of 479 were aware of the fact that the semen and the blood were modes of transmission for the disease. %90.2 of the respondents were in favour of the idea that AIDS test should be applied to the patients requiring dental treatment. Our results revealed that the major factor affecting the number of correct answers was the educational level.

Conclusion: Educational programmes concerning protection from AIDS would make great contribution with a view to hindering the dissemination of the disease.

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