A Model to Provide Comprehensive Testing for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections at a Short-Term Drug Treatment Center

Abstract

Substance users are at high risk for blood borne infections as well as those that are transmitted sexually. Substance abuse treatment centers present an opportunity to offer comprehensive counseling and testing (CCT) for HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to this high-risk population. We examined the feasibility and acceptability of one model of CCT among substance users. CCT was offered to 145 consecutive inpatients; study participants completed a risk factor questionnaire and selected from a menu of testing options. Thirty-six percent of those approached agreed to participate and accepted at least one biologic test. Sixty-two percent of participants accepted all tests that were offered. While beneficial to those who accept testing, the described model of CCT is feasible in a drug treatment center, but acceptable to only a minority of inpatients.

A Qualitative Study Among Injection Drug Using Women in Rhode Island: Attitudes Toward Testing, Treatment, and Vaccination for Hepatitis and HIV

“…28,36,37 Substance abuse treatment centers present an opportune site for offering comprehensive hepatitis and HIV counseling and testing, results, and referrals for treatment for injection drug users who are hard to reach through primary care medical settings. 38 For women infected with hepatitis, drug treatment counselors could provide education on the importance of managing their illness. Developing a model for delivering preventive vaccines to this population, which includes decreasing barriers to vaccination such as by offering vaccinations at community-based settings like methadone clinics or needle exchange programs, is also an important step in improving preventive care for women who inject drugs.…”

Characteristics of substance abuse treatment programs providing services for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C virus infection, and sexually transmitted infections: The National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network

“…Persons who use substances participate in behaviors that place them and others at substantial risk for these infections (Bachmann et al, 2000;Battjes et al, 1995;Belongia et al, 1997;Booth et al, 1993;Broers et al, 1998;Chiasson et al, 1991;Fortenberry et al, 1999;Francis, 2003;Garfein et al, 1998;Lorvich et al, 2001;Plitt et al, 2005;Poulin et al, 1999;Thomas et al, 1995;Zylberberg & Pol, 1996). Substance abuse treatment or various services provided in the mix of services in substance abuse treatments have been demonstrated to be important tools in developing effective responses to reduce the transmission of these infections (Brown, Chu, Nemoto, Ajuluchukwu, & Primm, 1989;Cooper, 1989;Hartel & Schoenbaum, 1998;Hubbard, Marsden, Cavanaugh, Rachal, & Ginsburg, 1988;Lally et al, 2002Lally et al, , 2005Metzger, Navaline, & Woody, 1998;Sorensen & Copeland, 2000). Determining that relevant services exist represents an important prerequisite to assessing effectiveness.…”

“…Prior reports were based either on investigations of infection-related services in a single substance abuse treatment program or on a group of local or regional programs (Brown et al, 1989;Hartel & Schoenbaum, 1998;Lally et al, 2002Lally et al, , 2005Sylvestre, 2002). Strauss, Falkin, Vassilev, Des Jarlais, and Astone (2002) reported the results of a survey of program directors from a randomized sample of substance abuse treatment programs derived from a nationwide list maintained by SAMHSA.…”

Hematological Changes Associated with Illicit Drug Abuse in A City of Northern Nigeria

“…At the individual level, substance use disorders are associated with anomalies ranging from impaired personal relationships, difficulties with work and school performance, to mental and physical health problems [2] . Grave consequences like parents loosing custody of their children, loss of jobs and assets, arrests and incarceration, and chronic illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, hepatitis B, liver cirrhosis and mortality and morbidity are attributable to substance abuse [3][4][5][6][7][8] .…”