Knowledge and attitude of dental students in Qazvin University of Medical Sciences about treatment of patients with HIV, HBV and HCV infections

Since dental students are exposed to pathogenic viruses such as HIV, HBV and HCV, it is necessary to provide them with adequate knowledge and appropriate attitude towards the treatments of such patients. This cross-sectional study was done in 2014-2015 academic year to evaluate knowledge and attitude of 94 dental students of fourth to sixth year about treatment of patients with HIV, HBV and HCV infections. To collect data, a self-made questionnaire was used. Results showed that 60 students (63.8%) had a good knowledge level and 73 students (77.7%) had a moderate attitude. Statistical tests including T-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, and Tukey indicated that the students of fifth and sixth year had significantly higher knowledge and better attitude than fourth year students (P=0.000, P=0.015 respectively). This study indicated that increasing the student's knowledge about treatment of patients with HIV, HBV and HCV infections is not enough to provide a positive attitude, so instructional methods more focused on attitude are required.