Dataset Information

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

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.

SUBMITTER: Kempf MC

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6548448 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

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

Kempf Mirjam-Colette MC Ott Corilyn C Wise Jenni M JM Footman Alison P AP Araya Brook Y BY Hardy Claudia M CM Walker Cordia C Latham Charles C Stockett Romeo R Daniels George G Alexander Mark M Lanzi Robin G RG

American journal of preventive medicine 20181101 5 Suppl 1

<h4>Introduction</h4>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.<h4>Methods</h4>The study used a mixed met ...[more]

PMID: 30670196

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Dataset Information

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

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Supplement information

Publications

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

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