Patient Perspectives on Improving Oral Health-Care Practices among People Living with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the impact on oral health-care knowledge, attitudes, and practices among 39 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) participating in a national initiative aimed at increasing access to oral health care. Personal values and childhood dental experiences, beliefs about the importance of oral health in relation to HIV health, and concerns for appearance and self-esteem were found to be determinants of oral health knowledge and practice. Program participation resulted in better hygiene practices, improved self-esteem and appearance, relief of pain, and better physical and emotional health. In-depth exploration of the causes for these changes revealed a desire to continue with dental care due to the dental staff and environmental setting, and a desire to maintain overall HIV health, including oral health. Our findings emphasize the importance of addressing both personal values and contextual factors in providing oral health-care services to PLWHA.

Hygiene practices for patients with HIV/AIDS

“…The year of publication of the 16 articles ranged from 2002 to 2013, with eight papers published in European countries (12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19) , fi ve in the United States (20)(21)(22)(23)(24) , two in Brazil (25)(26) and one in India (27) . In terms of levels of evidence (11) , they were distributed as follows: four Level I (13,(15)(16)(17) , one Level II (21) , one Level III (14) , eight Level VI (18)(19)(20)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26) and two Level VII (12,27) .…”

“…In terms of levels of evidence (11) , they were distributed as follows: four Level I (13,(15)(16)(17) , one Level II (21) , one Level III (14) , eight Level VI (18)(19)(20)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26) and two Level VII (12,27) . The majority of the health interventions related to the hygiene of adults with HIV/AIDS focused on food hygiene, totaling 19 health practices.…”

“…Studies have shown that poor oral hygiene increases the risk of oral complications from HIV inHealth interventions related to environmental hygiene fection, which can result in worsened physical conditions and mental health status (24) . Among the oral problems that most aff ect these patients are candidiasis, gingivitis, periodontitis, hairy leukoplakia, herpes simplex and Kaposi's sarcoma.…”

“…Among the oral problems that most aff ect these patients are candidiasis, gingivitis, periodontitis, hairy leukoplakia, herpes simplex and Kaposi's sarcoma. Opportunistic infections, including those that are bacterial, viral or fungal in origin, must receive specifi c pharmacological treatment to prevent resistance of the causative agents (12,(23)(24) .…”

“…The purpose of encouraging individuals to quit smoking is to avoid the development of oral diseases and diseases in other parts of the body, as well as reduce the characteristic odor that results from smoking and prevent nicotine addiction (24) .…”