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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Lisa R. Metsch, PhD¹, Eduardo Valverde, MPH¹, Margaret R. Pereyra, DrPH¹, Scott L. Tomar, DMD, DrPH², Wei Zhao, MS¹, Yves Jeanty¹, and Lauren Gooden¹. (1) Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1801 NW 9th Avenue, Suite 300, Miami, FL 33136, 305-243-3471, lmetsch@med.miami.edu, (2) Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science, University of Florida, 1329 SW 16th Street, Rm. 5180, PO Box 103628, Gainesville, FL 32610-3628

OBJECTIVE: Appropriate utilization of oral health care services by HIV positive individuals may help prevent oral diseases and their complications. This study examined factors associated with utilization of oral health care services among a sample of HIV positive patients in Miami, Florida. METHODS: Face-to-face interviews with 437 HIV positive patients receiving HIV primary care between March and December 2005 provided information on demographic and health care factors. Analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between those factors and the use of oral health care services at least once in the preceding12 months. RESULTS: Thirty two percent (32%) of participants reported not utilizing oral health care services in the preceding 12 months. Not taking HIV medications (aO.R. = 2.05; 95% C.I. =1.15, 3.66), older age (aO.R. = 1.04; 95% C.I. =1.02, 1.07), and receiving Medicaid (aO.R. = 2.54; 95% C.I. =1.13, 5.67) were associated with a lower likelihood of having an oral health care visit in the past 12 months. The most common reasons given by those respondents not using oral health care in the past 12 months were: did not get around to it or procrastinated (26%), could not afford it (21%), and had a fear of dentists or dental treatment (17%). CONCLUSIONS: System barriers such as inadequate health care coverage and personal barriers such as procrastination and fear of dental care need to be addressed to increase appropriate utilization of oral health care services. Patients with advanced disease taking HIV medications may be receiving needed oral health care services.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• List at least 3 barriers to adequate Oral Health Care reported by HIV positive individuals.
• Describe characteristics of HIV positive individuals who have not received oral health care in the past 12 months.
• Discuss behaviors that can be targeted to improve access to adequate oral health care in HIV positive individuals.

Keywords: Oral Health, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation