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Correlates of Hepatitis-C virus Testing, Diagnosis, and Treatment Rates among Clients in Criminal Rehabilitation Facilities

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2018, MPH, University of Cincinnati, Medicine: Epidemiology.
BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common blood-borne pathogen in the United States, and despite being highly treatable is associated with a number of comorbidities in addition to high mortality rates. Risk of HCV infection is increased in both individuals with substance use disorders (SUD), especially injection drug users (IDUs), and individuals who have been incarcerated. This study investigates a novel population of individuals living in criminal rehabilitation facilities (CRFs) in Southwest Ohio. Analyses examine associations between HCV testing, diagnosis status, and treatment history with potential risk factors including history of IDU and drug overdose. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey of a CRF population (n=713) conducted between May and Dec 2017 from 11 facilities organized into 4 groups: Jail Based Facilities (JBF), Community Based Correctional Facilities (CBCF), Halfway Houses (HH), and Residential Treatment Facilities (RT). All participants were incarcerated at least once at the time of survey completion. Self-reported survey assessed personal health status and history of substance use. Bivariate statistics explored the relationship between HCV testing, diagnosis, receipt of treatment and several covariates. Logistic regression analysis further investigated the associations identified. RESULTS: While a majority of study participants reported at least one HCV test (72.2%), very few of those testing positive for HCV (n=203) report receipt of treatment (15.3%). Statistical analysis identified at least one significant association for each HCV category. Literature review was conducted to compare testing, diagnosis, and treatment rates reported here to rates reported in the literature. DISCUSSION: Considering the heightened risk of contracting HCV among incarcerated and SUD populations, more research of CRF populations is needed to better understand the gaps present in the care continuum and the multiple interrelated risk factors involved. In CRF populations, it is imperative that programs are put in place to address client’s rights and needs, as well as provide access to HCV testing, diagnosis, treatment, and harm reduction services.
Liza Murrison, Ph.D MPH (Committee Chair)
Liang Niu (Committee Member)
Aaron Vissman, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
48 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Cannon, S. (2018). Correlates of Hepatitis-C virus Testing, Diagnosis, and Treatment Rates among Clients in Criminal Rehabilitation Facilities [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1526315953298692

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Cannon, Sara. Correlates of Hepatitis-C virus Testing, Diagnosis, and Treatment Rates among Clients in Criminal Rehabilitation Facilities. 2018. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1526315953298692.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Cannon, Sara. "Correlates of Hepatitis-C virus Testing, Diagnosis, and Treatment Rates among Clients in Criminal Rehabilitation Facilities." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1526315953298692

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)