Oral health treatment needs of HIV/AIDS patients in Ife-Ijesa zone, Nigeria

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the oral health status and needs of people living with HIV/AIDS
(PLWHA) in Ife-Ijesa zone, Nigeria. Materials and methods: An anonymous, administered questionnaire survey
among 209 PLWHA who provided informed, written consent was conducted. Information on socio-demographics,
perceived oral health status and professional care obtained. Clinical oral examinations were conducted using a dental
explorer and mirror in natural daylight. The oral examinations were carried out to determine, presence of oral HIV
lesions, normative needs-oral hygiene and periodontal status, restorative and surgical needs. Results: There was a
statistically significant relationship between the presence of an oral HIV lesion and perceived oral health status.
Patients that reported the need for oral health care are more than those of medical needs (p<0.05). The oral health
needs increased as the clinical stage of the disease advanced (p<0.05). There was poor oral health status among the
PLWHA and their needs were routine. Conclusions: The oral health status of the examined PLWHAs was poor. The
normative and the perceived oral health evaluation were not in agreement in this study. The normative oral health
care needs of PLWHAs are not complex and hence district oral health care centres should be equipped to meet these
needs.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Oral health, treatment needs.

Tanzania Dental Journal Vol. 14 (1) 2007: pp. 8-14