Barriers to oral health care among people living with HIV in Kwazulu Natal and the Western Cape

Abstract

HIV/AIDS is a major problem in South Africa with more than 25 percent of the adult population infected with HIV. Oral lesions and various opportunistic infections characterize the progression of HIV making it imperative for people living with HIV to have access to good quality oral care. There is a need to examine accessibility and use of dental services in South Africans living with HIV as very little research in this regard, has been undertaken. Aim: To investigate the barriers to oral health care for people living with HIV in the KZN and the WC. Research Design and Methodology: A cross-sectional study utilising a self-administered questionnaire and semi-structured interviews has been employed. Participants were people living with HIV older than 18 years attending HIV clinics located throughout Kwa-Zulu Natal and WC. Binary logistic regression was performed to determine the variables associated with not obtaining care.