Changing knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Thai oral health personnel with regard to AIDS: an evaluation of an educational intervention

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluated the effect of an educational intervention in improving Thai oral health personnel's (OHP) knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding HIV/AIDS.

Research design: The study used a pre-test/post-test design with study and control groups.

Results: of the pre-test questionnaire were used to design the intervention. Three months after the study group received the intervention, the same questionnaire was given to both groups.

Intervention: A three-day workshop was conducted using a variety of teaching methods: lectures, videos, role-plays, interviews with HIV infected persons, and demonstrations.

Setting: The study was conducted in rural government dental clinics in three provinces in southern Thailand. One hundred and three OHP in 23 dental clinics were in the study group while 46 OHP in II dental clinics were in the control group.

Outcome measures: The outcomes were knowledge and attitudes regarding HIV/AIDS, perception of occupational risk, willingness to treat HIV infected persons and adherence to recommended infection control procedures.

Results and conclusions: The educational intervention resulted in significant improvement in many domains of KAP in the study group, while there was little change in the control group. The post-test questionnaire showed that further improvements are needed in attitudes towards HIV/AIDS and practices regarding accidental needle stick injury. The intervention was both effective and appropriate and should be considered for national use.