Universal Screening for HIV and Hepatitis C Infection: A Community-Based Pilot Project - PubMed (original) (raw)

. 2018 Nov;55(5 Suppl 1):S112-S121.

doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2018.05.015.

Corilyn Ott 2, Jenni M Wise 2, Alison P Footman 3, Brook Y Araya 3, Claudia M Hardy 4, Cordia Walker 4, Charles Latham 5, Romeo Stockett 5, George Daniels 5, Mark Alexander 5, Robin G Lanzi 3

Affiliations

Universal Screening for HIV and Hepatitis C Infection: A Community-Based Pilot Project

Mirjam-Colette Kempf et al. Am J Prev Med. 2018 Nov.

Abstract

Introduction: Black men in the Deep South have been disproportionally affected by high HIV and hepatitis C virus infection rates. Conventional clinic-based screening approaches have had limited success in reaching those with undiagnosed HIV or hepatitis C virus infection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and best practices of an integrated HIV and hepatitis C virus community-based health screening approach.

Methods: The study used a mixed methods approach: focus group discussion, individual interviews, and surveys that assessed perceptions, perspectives, and HIV and hepatitis C virus awareness among six communities across Alabama and Mississippi. Data were collected and analyzed in 2014-2017.

Results: Although HIV and hepatitis C virus knowledge was limited among community members surveyed, the results of this study suggest that (1) using an integrated, community-based HIV and hepatitis C virus testing approach is acceptable and feasible; (2) formation of a community advisory board is a key element of successful community mobilization; (3) education and training of community members on disease-specific topics and overcoming stigma are essential; and (4) focus on and inclusion of young community members will be critical for the sustainability of screening efforts.

Conclusions: Including and engaging communities at risk for HIV and hepatitis C virus infection in prevention research is a promising strategy to overcome existing barriers of stigma and discrimination. Integration of HIV and hepatitis C virus testing in universal health screening efforts utilizing a Community Health Advisors model encourages unbiased communication with a focus on overall community health. Community health advisors are recognized as important agents in this effort.

Supplement information: This article is part of a supplement entitled African American Men's Health: Research, Practice, and Policy Implications, which is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.

Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

None of the authors taking part in this manuscript have financial conflicts of interest to report.

Figures

Figure 1:

Figure 1:

Phase 1, 2, and 3 Design and Objectives *CHA=Community Health Advisor. DSN=Deep South Network for Cancer Control. HIV=Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HCV= Hepatitis C Virus.

Similar articles

Cited by

References

    1. Saab S, Jackson C, Nieto J, & Francois F. Hepatitis C in African Americans. Am J Gastroenterol. 2014;109:1576–1584. 10.1038/ajg.2014.243. - DOI - PubMed
    1. AIDSVu. National Black HIV/AIDS awareness day 2016. https://aidsvu.org/resources/national-black-hiv-aids-awareness-day-2016-.... Accessed January 18, 2018.
    1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HIV among African Americans. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/group/racialethnic/africanamericans/index.html. Accessed January 18, 2018.
    1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HIV in the United States: At a glance. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/statistics/overview/ataglance.html. Accessed January 18, 2018.
    1. Denniston MM, Jiles RB, Drobeniuc J, Klevens RM, Ward JW, McQuillan GM, & Holmberg SD . Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection in the United States, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003 to 2010. Ann Intern Med. 2014;160(5):293–300. 10.7326/M13-1133. - DOI - PMC - PubMed

Publication types

MeSH terms

LinkOut - more resources