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Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to:
1. Describe the demographics of clients at STD clinics in upstate New York (NY).
2. Describe the hepatitis C virus (HCV) risk behaviors of STD clients.
3. Evaluate the impact of integrating HCV services into STD clinics.
Background:
An estimated 1.8% of the U.S. population are chronically infected with HCV, many unknowingly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has emphasized the importance of integrating viral hepatitis services, such as screening and prevention, into existing public health programs. Successful integration projects have illustrated that clients at STD clinics engage in behaviors which put them at risk not only for STDs, but also for HIV and viral hepatitis, further highlighting the need for integration of hepatitis services in public health clinics.
Methods:
A self-administered, integrated STD/HIV/Hepatitis risk assessment questionnaire was pilot tested among clients at seven STD clinics in upstate NY over a six-month period. The data collected was analyzed using SAS version 9.0.
Results:
Questionnaires were completed by 2,650 clients. The median age was 24 years, with 61% male, and 62% reported white race. Forty-six percent reported having >10 lifetime sex partners, and 26% reported a history of STDs. Many (63%) reported having used illegal drugs. Blood transfusion prior to 1992 and injection drug use (IVDU) was reported among 3% and 4%, respectively. Five percent reported having had sex with an IVDU.
Conclusions:
Clients in upstate NY STD clinics reported behaviors associated with STD, HIV and hepatitis transmission; however, the highest risk behavior for HCV (IVDU) among this population was infrequent. Integration of hepatitis prevention services into programs in upstate NY that serve a larger proportion of IVDUs are needed to identify those who are infected and to provide education and counseling.
See more of Poster Session #2
See more of The 2005 National Viral Hepatitis Prevention Conference