Knowledge and Attitude Concerning the Dental Treatment of Patients with HIV/AIDS among Dental Students and Dentists in Saudi Arabia

Aims: to assess the HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and attitude among dental students and dentists in KSA, to explore the association between the dental students’ knowledge toward HIV, their age, gender, and academic year and to compare the level of knowledge among dental students, interns, and dentists.

Study design: This is an observational cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Conducted in Saudi Arabia at Jeddah, Riyadh, Almadina, Hail, Dammam, Jazan, and Sakaka cities from December 2020 to August 2021.

Methodology: Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data. Background information and HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and attitudes were collected using a self-administered -based questionnaire, the first section assessed demographic data, while the second section assessed knowledge and attitudes towards dental treatment for HIV/AIDS patients.

Results: The total number of participants was 461. The percentage of age distribution 49.7% were 30 years. Following; knowledge-based group 50.5%, 1.5% and 47.1% 14 considered blood, saliva are possible HIV origins. 83.3% believe that HIV is transfusion origin. 15 While, 3.3% considered disease is contiguous and 4.8% believe it is due to sharing of food.

Conclusion: Current study reveals a lack of knowledge and attitude among dental students 17 and dentists, with insignificant variations. More education regarding AIDS patients is needed 18 in dentistry community.