title: A Pilot Study of Rapid Hepatitis C Testing in Probation and Parole Populations in Rhode Island.
abstract: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects between five and seven million individuals in the United States and chronic infection can lead to liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Probation/parole offices are a novel setting for rapid HCV testing, providing outreach to populations at increased risk for HCV infection and/or transmitting HCV to others. While some correctional facilities offer HCV testing, many individuals who present to probation/parole offices are never or briefly incarcerated and may not access medical services. We conducted a rapid HCV testing pilot at probation/parole offices in Rhode Island. Overall, 130 people accepted rapid HCV testing, of whom 12 had reactive tests. Only four of these individuals presented to a community-based clinic for confirmatory testing, despite being offered a monetary incentive. Identifying and addressing barriers to HCV confirmatory testing and follow-up care is critical to increasing the uptake of HCV care and treatment in this vulnerable population.
authors.forename: Nickolas D
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Zaller
authors.forename: Emily J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Patry
authors.forename: Lauri B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Bazerman
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Noska
authors.forename: Irene
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kuo
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kurth
authors.forename: Curt G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Beckwith
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000453:epidemiology; D057237:Criminals; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology; D008403:Mass Screening; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012237:Rhode Island