Knowledge of Primary Health Care Providers in Nairobi East District, Kenya, Regarding HIV-related Oral Facial and Other Common Oral Diseases and Conditions

Background: In the Kenya primary health care (PHC) setting where most patients, including nearly 1.4 million HIV-infected people, seek medical care, PHC providers are expected to identify and manage HIV-related oral diseases during general consultations. This study aimed to assess the current knowledge of clinical officers and nurses in Nairobi East district of Kenya regarding HIV-related oral diseases and conditions.
Design and Methods: A 40-item questionnaire was used in interviewing all 57 PHC providers in 2 administrative divisions in the district in a cross-sectional survey. Assessed categories were: knowledge about HIV-related oral lesions, clinical appearance of HIV-suspected conditions, knowledge about oro-pharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), general dental knowledge, common appearances of OPC, knowledge about periodontitis, causes of dental caries, frequency of general oral examinations and past training in oral health topics. The first 4 categories were confirmed as sub domains, with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.57, 0.54, 0.59 and 0.45 respectively.
Results: All 57 PHC providers (15 clinical officers and 42 nurses) completed the questionnaire (response rate 100%). PHC providers did not routinely perform oral examinations.
Their knowledge about HIV-related oral health topics and general oral health was found to be generally inadequate.
Recommendations: A training module on HIV-related oro-facial lesions for Nairobi PHC providers, incorporating a practical session covering oral examinations, is recommended; especially in this high HIV-prevalence environment.