Mobile outreach strategies for screening hepatitis and HIV in high-risk populations

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.

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.

Demographic data and a standard HCV risk- screening survey were used.

Significantly higher rates of HCV were found in subjects who were currently using injection drugs (83.3% HCV positive, χ2(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 χ2(1) = 12.14, p<.001). Vaccination completion ranged by setting between 18% and 38%.

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.