Oral Health Knowledge, Attitude and Behaviour Among HIV-Infected Individuals in Yunnan, Southwest China

1Kunming Medical University Yan An Hospital Dental Department, Kunming, China, 2Third hospital of Kunming, Kunming, China, 3Yunnan Medical college, Kunming, China

Objectives: To assess oral health knowledge, attitude and behaviour of individuals with HIV-infection in Yunnan, southwest China, to provide baseline data and direct oral health education.

Methods: A questionnaire was administered by two interviewers to a sample of 162 patients with diagnosed HIV infection to assess their oral health behaviour over a 12 month period at the AIDS Centre, Third People's Hospital of Kunming, China. The assessment of oral health behaviour included assessing the regularity and frequency of oral hygiene practices and mouthwash.

Results: The age of the sample ranged from 22 to 71 years (median 39), 61 percent were male and 29.6% unemployed. 77.5% were Han. The remaining were Yi ,Bai ,Dai ,Hani and Tibetan. 43% rated their oral health as "good," 26% as "ordinary", 31% as "poor". 52% of the sample had HIV associated oral lesions including:candidal stomatitis, ulceration, recurrent herpetic stomatitis and xerostomia. 68% had dental and periodontal tissue disease. Only 7% visited the dentist regularly. 50% had never seen a dentist prior to HIV-infection diagnosis. 42% thought regular dental care was unnecessary. 9% had been given oral health advice.

Conclusion: There is a general lack of knowledge, understanding and behaviour regarding oral health in HIV-infected individuals in this sample. Oral health education should be introduced.