Hepatitis C Epidemiology in a Large Urban Jail: A Changing Demographic

Hoff, Emily; Warden, Andrea E; Taylor, Ruby; Nijhawan, Ank E.

doi:10.1177/00333549221076546

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…One potential strategy that could be used by all jails to improve testing is offering opt-out testing, with a question at intake like, “We will conduct infectious diseases testing unless you do not want it.” The opt-out method of HIV and HCV testing has been endorsed by the CDC due to evidence of increased uptake in minoritized communities [ 46 , 47 ]. Opt-out testing is a cost-effective intervention shown to increase testing acceptance by 68% and decrease health disparities [ 17 ]. Previous research, including randomized controlled trials, has demonstrated the effectiveness of opt-out testing in increasing frequency of testing, but no research has examined the impact of opt-out testing in decreasing disparities in access to testing in incarcerated populations.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Examination of best practices for HIV and HCV testing in jails has revealed several lessons guiding the timing of offering testing (intake vs. exit testing), who gets testing (risk-based vs. universal) [13], the type of test (rapid vs. standard), the language used to offer testing (opt-out vs. opt in) [10.14], and the utility of coupling tests like HIV and HCV together [14][15][16][17][18]. Increasingly, there is a movement to deliberately examine the equity of testing interventions in order to overcome barriers that may prevent people who are Black or Hispanic from accessing HIV and HCV testing and treatment [19,20].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Racial differences in testing for infectious diseases: An analysis of jail intake data

Wurcel,

Guardado,

Grussing

et al. 2023

PLoS ONE

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HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing for all people in jail is recommended by the CDC. In the community, there are barriers to HIV and HCV testing for minoritized people. We examined the relationship between race and infectious diseases (HIV, HCV, syphilis) testing in one Massachusetts jail, Middlesex House of Corrections (MHOC). This is a retrospective analysis of people incarcerated at MHOC who opted-in to infectious diseases testing between 2016–2020. Variables of interest were race/ethnicity, self-identified history of psychiatric illness, and ever having experienced restrictive housing. Twenty-three percent (1,688/8,467) of people who were incarcerated requested testing at intake. Of those, only 38% received testing. Black non-Hispanic (25%) and Hispanic people (30%) were more likely to request testing than white people (19%). Hispanic people (16%, AOR 1.69(1.24–2.29) were more likely to receive a test result compared to their white non-Hispanic (8%, AOR 1.54(1.10–2.15)) counterparts. Black non-Hispanic and Hispanic people were more likely to opt-in to and complete infectious disease testing than white people. These findings could be related to racial disparities in access to care in the community. Additionally, just over one-third of people who requested testing received it, underscoring that there is room for improvement in ensuring testing is completed. We hope our collaborative efforts with jail professionals can encourage other cross-disciplinary investigations.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%