AEGiS-06IAC: HIV perceptions and sexual behavior changes of dental health professionals.

6th International AIDS Conference

San Francisco, California, USA — June 20-23, 1990

HIV perceptions and sexual behavior changes of dental health professionals.

Int Conf AIDS 1990 Jun 20-23; 6:350 (abstract no. Th.D.896)
Cottone JA, Dove SB; The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA

OBJECTIVE: To assess changes in sexual behavior, attitudes and perceptions of dental health professionals regarding HIV infection as a result of AIDS education.

METHODS: A two page survey designed to assess the study objectives was distributed to participants at an international dental conference (DC, n=125) and to all 4 classes of dental students (DS, n=296), faculty (F, n=49) and staff (S, n=63)at the dental school in San Antonio. Frequency distributions were calculated for all questions for each respondent group.

RESULTS: The majority of respondents were white non-Hispanics except for S (56% Hispanic), male (51-77%) except for S (87% female) & DC (58% female), and heterosexual (88%). About 12% (5-19%) considered themselves non-monogamous & sexually active (NMSA). The majority of DS III, DS IV and DC felt that 1-5% of patients were at HIV risk vs authors estimate of 11-20%. About 1/3 of DS III & DS IV, 18% of DC & F, and 4% of S felt that no patients were at risk. About 30% of respondents reported no concern about HIV infection (48% F). Conversely, 25% of respondents were very concerned about infection. Of NMSA, almost 2/3 reported always or frequent condom use. DS II & III reported the highest effect of HIV knowledge on sexual behavior (over 60%). Results were obtained when asked if groups were tested for HIV exposure & if test results were received: DS (18% tested, 68% received), S (13%, 38%), F (23%, 65%), DC (33%, 90%). Positive tests were reported by DC (7%) & F (4%).

CONCLUSION: Despite prior educational efforts, less than 10% of those surveyed had a true perception of the patient population at risk of HIV infection. Although 80% reported they had little or no chance of becoming HIV infected through sexual activity, almost 70% reported concern about becoming HIV infected. Condom use was reported by the majority of NMSA; however, 36% used condoms rarely if at all. Continued educational efforts are needed not only to the general population but also to all health care groups.

Keywords: AEGIS, Condoms, HIV Infections, Health Personnel, Attitude to Health, Oral Health, Hispanic Americans, Perception, Data Collection, Whites, Female, Male, Human, education, ICA6

900620
ThD896