Mobile Outreach Strategies for Screening Hepatitis and HIV in High-Risk Populations

Public Health Nurs. 2012 Jan;29(1):27-35. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1446.2011.00970.x. Epub 2011 Oct 3.

Zucker DM, Choi J, Gallagher ER.

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School of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MassachusettsMassachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives: To screen, counsel and offer hepatitis A and B vaccination for subjects at high risk for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV, and determine any relationship between risk factors and HCV positivity. Design and Sample: A descriptive correlational design. We correlated risk factors and HCV positivity and measured vaccination completion rates. Two hundred and two unduplicated subjects in 4 locations in Western Massachusetts: a walk in substance abuse clinic, a homeless shelter, a county jail, and a community corrections facility. Measures: Demographic data and a standard HCV risk- screening survey were used. Results: Significantly higher rates of HCV were found in subjects who were currently using injection drugs (83.3% HCV positive, χ(2) (1)=20.85, p<.001), who had a history of sharing needles for drug use (75% HCV positive χ(2) (1)=83.20, p<.001), or a history of receiving treatment for drug abuse/alcoholism (38.4% HCV positive χ(2) (1)=12.14, p<.001). Vaccination completion ranged by setting between 18% and 38%. Conclusions: Targeted outreach to hard to reach groups is effective in providing access for those at high risk for HIV and HCV infection. A mobile outreach strategy can focus needed resources for a variety of groups in a community.

© 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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