The effect of an HIVAIDS educational program for dental professionals
The Pacific been educated and Training Centre (PAETC) developed and tested over time a curriculum to meet changing HIV / AIDS-related needs of dental health professionals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the HIV-related knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, and behaviors among participants of a training course EC on the basis of this curriculum, before and six weeks after the completion of the course. The project recruited 106 participants who were dental health professionals over a decade and medium term (1992-2003). The dental participants consisted of 79 percent dentists and dental hygienists 21 percent or dental assistants. The sample was 67 percent men, 33 percent women, 45 percent Caucasian women, and 24 percent in Asia. A questionnaire was adapted used before and after training to assess the educational needs of the participants and evaluate the program’s success in meeting these needs. Approximately 81 percent of the participants have completed two questionnaires. Following the course, participants significantly changed their knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, and behavior (65 percent, 86 percent, 55 percent, respectively, all p =. 0001). In general, the educational program was a success in enhancing and promoting the HIV / Aids-related knowledge and attitudes and beliefs of the participants and enhance their commitment to control HIV infection and behaviors classification risk.