Attitudes of students at three dental schools in Santiago de Cali, Colombia, toward HIV+ patients

Authors

  • Blanca Lucía Acosta de Velásquez Colegio Odontológico Sede Santiago de Cali
  • Eddy Pérez-Then Programa Fogarty Universidad de Miami
  • Héctor Fabio Mueses Marín Colegio Odontológico Sede Santiago de Cali
  • Elisa María Pinzón Gómez Colegio Odontológico Sede Santiago de Cali
  • Gail Shor-Posner University of Miami

Abstract

Objective: To know attitude of students at three dental schools in Santiago de Cali, Colombia, toward HIV+ patients. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with using a questionnaire to 1173 invited to attend students from three dental schools in Cali. Students were classified in three groups (Pre-clinic: semester I-IV; initial clinic: V to VII and last clinical: VIII to X). Results: Participation rate was 63.4%. 50% under 20 years old, 68% female, 92% single, and 82% Catholics. Between 86% and 92% had positive attitudes; when asked about their willingness to care patients being more favorable preclinical students (p=0.03). Although, 88.7% of all students showed a willingness to address HIV patients. Among those who believed that it would be difficult for assistant staff to accept treating such patients there was a 33% chance of doing so (p=0.003). When we asked about training to manage, between 67% (clinical) and 82% (preclinical) perceive not receiving any. Conclusions: The intention to dental care was similar to that reported in the other American countries, and Ireland. Dental students need better training, because they do not perceived adequate training, to reduce their fear and increase posi- tive attitudes to care for HIV/AIDS patients. 

Keywords:

attitude, HIV, dental students, stigma

Author Biography

Blanca Lucía Acosta de Velásquez, Colegio Odontológico Sede Santiago de Cali

Coordinadora Unidad de Investigación Institución Universitaria Colegios de Colombia, Colegio Odontológico Sede Santiago de Cali. Fellow en Epidemiología de SIDA, Programa Fogarty Universidad de Miami, Estados Unidos