OBJECTIVETo survey the status of oral cavity hygiene knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of rural acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) carriers and take corresponding intervention measures to improve the oral health of these patients.

METHODSFrom May to August in 2009, the methods of anonymous face to face structured interview and oral examination at the scene were carried out at the baseline in rural AIDS patients/HIV-carriers. According to the results of the survey, intervention measures were taken. The results of the intervention and the oral hygiene status were compared before and after the intervention.

RESULTSThe oral health status of 82 AIDS patients and HIV-carriers were in poor before the intervention, and the knowledge of AIDS-related oral health of 76 AIDS patients and HIV-carriers was promoted after interventions, "scaling can spread AIDS" were 22 cases (27%), and after the intervention 41 patients (54%) think that can spread (χ(2) = 20.066, P < 0.001). The oral diseases of related AIDS were decreased dramatically, 68 patients (83%) had gingivitis before intervention and 47 cases (62%) after the intervention (χ(2) = 8.852, P = 0.003). The personal oral cavity hygiene and related oral KAP of AIDS caused by subjective factors had improved to different extent, "brushing teeth over 3 min at every turn", there were over 36 cases (44%) before intervention and 45 patients after intervention (59%) (χ(2) = 4.017, P = 0.045).

CONCLUSIONSThe oral hygiene and KAP of AIDS patients and HIV-carriers in rural areas were poor and improved after intervention.