Knowledge and Attitudes of Dentists and Dental Students Towards HIV/AIDS in Turkey: A Survey Study

Abstract

Aim: The main aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of dental students in Turkey regarding HIV/AIDS and to compare them with graduated dentists to determine current knowledge levels and educational needs. Materials and Methods: In this survey, 340 dental students (4th-5th year) and 50 graduated dentists were included. Data were collected using an online questionnaire prepared via Google Forms. The 22-item questionnaire covered demographic characteristics, HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes toward HIV-positive individuals, infection control and educational needs. Results: A total of 390 participants were included, with graduated dentists demonstrating statistically significantly higher HIV/AIDS knowledge levels than students (p < 0.01). Correct response rates to the statements “risk of HIV transmission through saliva” and “presence of high levels of HIV in saliva” were significantly higher among graduates (p < 0.01). For the question “Which of the following is not an oral manifestation of HIV/AIDS?”, the correct answer “oral cancers” was selected at similar rates (students 22.1%; graduates 22.0%; p > 0.05). Regarding attitudes, only the statement “HIV/AIDS patients should be treated in separate clinics” showed higher agreement among students (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in infection control and educational needs (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Although overall HIV/AIDS knowledge among dental students and graduates appears sufficient, gaps remain in transmission routes, clinical management, and stigmatizing attitudes. Strengthening clinically oriented education and universal infection control principles in dental training is warranted.

Keywords

• HIV/AIDS
• Dental Students
• Knowledge Level
• Attitude
• Survey

Supporting Institution

Not applicable.

Ethical Statement

The study was approved by the Non-Interventional Scientific Research Ethics Committee of Hamidiye University of Health Sciences(approval date: May 15, 2025; meeting no: 2025/11; decision no: 11/11; document no: 26.05.2025–39182) and was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent was obtained electronically from all participants prior to the survey.

Thanks

Not applicable.

Türkiye'deki Diş Hekimleri ve Diş Hekimliği Öğrencilerinin HIV/AIDS Hakkındaki Bilgi ve Tutumları: Bir Anket Çalışması

Abstract

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın temel amacı, Türkiye'deki diş hekimliği öğrencilerinin HIV/AIDS hakkındaki bilgi ve tutumlarını değerlendirmek ve mevcut bilgi düzeylerini ve eğitim ihtiyaçlarını belirlemek için bunları mezun diş hekimleriyle karşılaştırmaktır. Gereç ve Yöntemler: Bu araştırmaya 340 diş hekimliği öğrencisi (4.-5. sınıf) ve 50 mezun diş hekimi dahil edilmiştir. Veriler, Google Forms aracılığıyla hazırlanan çevrimiçi bir anket kullanılarak toplanmıştır. 22 maddelik anket, demografik özellikler, HIV/AIDS bilgisi, HIV pozitif bireylere yönelik tutumlar, enfeksiyon kontrolü ve eğitim ihtiyaçlarını kapsamıştır. Bulgular: Toplam 390 katılımcı dahil edilmiş olup, mezun diş hekimlerinin HIV/AIDS bilgi düzeylerinin öğrencilerden istatistiksel olarak anlamlı derecede daha yüksek olduğu bulunmuştur (p < 0,01). "Tükürük yoluyla HIV bulaşma riski" ve "tükürükte yüksek düzeyde HIV bulunması" ifadelerine verilen doğru yanıt oranları mezunlar arasında anlamlı derecede daha yüksek bulunmuştur (p < 0,01). “Aşağıdakilerden hangisi HIV/AIDS'in ağızda görülen bir belirtisi değildir?” sorusuna verilen doğru cevap olan “ağız kanserleri” benzer oranlarda seçilmiştir (öğrenciler %22,1; mezunlar %22,0; p > 0,05). Tutumlar açısından, sadece “HIV/AIDS hastaları ayrı kliniklerde tedavi edilmelidir” ifadesi öğrenciler arasında daha yüksek bir mutabakat göstermiştir (p < 0,05). Enfeksiyon kontrolü ve eğitim ihtiyaçlarında anlamlı bir fark bulunmamıştır (p > 0,05). Sonuç: Diş hekimliği öğrencileri ve mezunları arasında genel HIV/AIDS bilgisi yeterli görünse de, bulaşma yolları, klinik yönetim ve damgalayıcı tutumlar konusunda eksiklikler mevcuttur. Diş hekimliği eğitiminde klinik odaklı eğitimin ve evrensel enfeksiyon kontrolü ilkelerinin güçlendirilmesi gereklidir.

Keywords

• HIV/AIDS
• Diş Hekimliği Öğrencileri
• Bilgi Düzeyi
• Tutum
• Anket

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