Readiness of dentists in providing oral health care for HIV/AIDS patients: Insights from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Authors

  • Hoang Trong Hung Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City
  • Tran Duy Quan Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City
  • Dao Quang Khai Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City
  • Nguyen Minh Khanh Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51403/0868-2836/2023/1476

Keywords:

Dentists, HIV/AIDS patients, oral health care

Abstract

Limited research has been conducted to identify barriers to dentists’readiness in providing oral health care for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) in Southeast Asia and Viet Nam. This study aimed to evaluate the readiness of dentists in providing oral health care for PLWH in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. A total of 414 dentists participated in this cross sectional study, with an average age of 39.17 ± 11.52 years and an average professional experience of 14.10 ± 11.37 years. The online fill-in-the-blank questionnaire with 10 items related to dentists’readiness in providing oral health care services for PLWH was sent to the study participants. Results revealed that 35.75% of dentists were willing to treat HIV/AIDS patients, 41.30% held neutral opinions, and 22.95% were unwilling. The majority of dentists (77.29%) were aware of ART therapy, but only 4.83% perceived themselves as having adequate knowledge of each treatment protocol for HIV/AIDS patients. Additionally, 22.71% had no knowledge of ART therapy. Concerningly, 77.05% believed in the risk of transmission during ART treatment, with varying perceptions of risk: 18.60% high, 16.18% moderate, and 42.27% low. Furthermore, 10.14% perceived almost no risk, and 12.80% were unsure or lacked knowledge. Dentists’opinions about providing oral health care for people living with HIV/AIDS will offer valuable insights for developing strategies tailored to this special community.

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Published

20-03-2024

How to Cite

Hung, H. T. ., Quan, T. D. ., Khai, D. Q. ., & Khanh, N. M. . (2024). Readiness of dentists in providing oral health care for HIV/AIDS patients: Insights from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Vietnam Journal of Preventive Medicine, 33(8), 41–48. https://doi.org/10.51403/0868-2836/2023/1476

Issue

Section

Original Papers