A model to provide comprehensive testing for HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections at a short-term drug treatment center.
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.
Lally
Michelle A
MA
Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island., Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island 02906, USA. mlally@lifespan.org
MacNevin
Ryan
R
Sergie
Ziad
Z
Hitt
Robert
R
DiSpigno
Melissa
M
Cenedella
Carly
C
Stein
Michael D
MD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003191:Comprehensive Health Care; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006525:Hepatitis, Viral, Human / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008404:Massachusetts / Q000453:epidemiology; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires