Ethical Issues, Discrimination and Social Responsibility Related to HIV-Infected Patients

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess the attitude of students attending 4th and 6th year of the Faculty of Dental Medicine in Iasi towards HIV-seropositive patients. A questionnaire was elaborated, containing 14 ethic statements related to some aspects they may encounter in their future career: the observance of confidentiality and the rights of HIV/AIDS infected patients, the refusal of dedicated treatment and the appreciation of discrimination in this situation. The results have identified some negative aspects regarding the above mentioned issues, mainly in terms of the refusal of specialized treatment. A percentage between 47.4% and 38.4% of the students strongly agreed to the affirmations according to which the risk of cross-infection and the lack of some safety conditions at work may be a reason for the refusal to provide dental treatment. The responses referring to discrimination suggest that there is a negative attitude towards the following aspects: the treatment of HIV-infected patients in different offices, the refusal to continue treatment after confirmation of the diagnosis, the refusal to cooperate with an infected colleague. Only 57.8% of the subjects considered the refusal of treatment as discrimination, with no statistical differences between the years of study. The results suggest both the need to modify the academic curriculum by introducing some ethics and medical legislation courses, and the adoption of a strategy for the increase of empathy and social responsibility in relation to this group of discriminated persons.