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A collaborative effort to enhance HIV/STI screening in five county jails.
K R Arriola1, R L Braithwaite, S Kennedy
1Dept. of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. kjacoba@sph.emory.edu
Public Health Reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974)
|August 28, 2002
Summary
Collaborations between health departments and correctional facilities improve HIV and STI services for inmates. This model approach reduces health disparities by enhancing disease detection and treatment among minority populations.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Disparities
- Infectious Disease Control
Background:
- Health disparities persist among racial and ethnic minority groups, particularly within correctional facilities.
- Effective HIV and STI services are crucial for inmates transitioning back into the community.
- Existing collaborations often lack comprehensive strategies for disease screening and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a model approach for reducing health disparities through inter-agency collaboration.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the Corrections Demonstration Project (CDP) in improving HIV and STI services for inmates.
- To demonstrate how collaborations can enhance disease detection and treatment in correctional settings.
Main Methods:
- A multi-site evaluation of the Corrections Demonstration Project (CDP) was implemented.
- Disease screening for HIV and other STIs was offered during medical intake and HIV prevention sessions in five county jails.
- Data on testing, positive cases, and treatment initiation were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- 1,020 inmates were tested for HIV, with 171 (17%) positive cases identified.
- 49% of HIV-positive inmates initiated antiretroviral treatment.
- 78% of inmates testing positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis received treatment, with 22% not treated due to various reasons.
Conclusions:
- Collaborations between federal funders, public health departments, corrections, community organizations, and academia can reduce racial/ethnic health disparities.
- The CDP model demonstrates improved capacity for disease detection and treatment within correctional facilities.
- This collaborative approach is essential for comprehensive HIV risk reduction programs.