The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #68486

Robin R Hennessy, Bureau of STD Control, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 125 Worth Street, Room 326, CN-22, New York, NY 10013, 212-788-4714, rhenness@health.nyc.gov, Karen Schlanger, MPH, Disease Control, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 125 Worth Street, Room 326, CN-22, New York, NY 10013, and Isaac Weisfuse, MD, MPH, Deputy Commissioner, Disease Control, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 125 Worth Street, Room 326, CN-22, New York, NY 10013.

BACKGROUND: Injection drug users (IDU) injecting > 5years have an estimated hepatitis C prevalence of 60-90%. Viral hepatitis services have been integrated into a large sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic in New York City since May 2000. Patients are offered vaccine for hepatitis A/B, and counseling, testing and referral for hepatitis C/B based on risk for infection. Detailed risk assessment is completed at the time of service delivery.

METHODS: STD medical charts were abstracted for hepatitis patients who report a history of IDU. Abstractions included: reason for visit, symptoms, STD/HIV tests and diagnosis.

RESULTS: Approximately 1/3 of the clinic population (6,436) received hepatitis services between May 2000 – October 2002. 3% (202) of hepatitis patients reported IDU, 1/5 of whom (40/202) reported current use.

31% and 78% of IDU received vaccine for hepatitis A and B respectively. 74% were screened for hepatitis B and C (HBV exposure prevalence=46%, HCV prevalence=60%). 53% had an STD exam (43% were diagnosed with an STD). 48% were tested for HIV (4% tested positive).

Nearly 40% (78/202) of IDU visited the clinic specifically for hepatitis services: 49 received vaccinations only and 29 were referred for HCV testing by a drug treatment center.

CONCLUSION: IDU come to the STD Clinic specifically for hepatitis services. Many also take advantage of the STD/HIV testing services available at the “same stop”. Integrating STD/HIV and hepatitis services create new opportunities for disease control. Despite enhancements in service delivery, there remain missed opportunities for hepatitis A and B vaccination among IDU.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, participants will understand how offering viral hepatitis services at an STD clinic can serve as an incentive for injection drug users to seek care.

Keywords: Injection Drug Users, STD

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.