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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

David Pieribone and Jenny (Donna) Gross, MPH. Office of AIDS Programs and Policy, Department of Health Services, 600 S. Commonwealth Avenue, 6th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90005, 213-351-8026, dpieribone@ladhs.org

Background: OAPP developed networks to improve client referrals and linkages to CBOs offering HIV/AIDS, STD, hepatitis, TB and substance use services. The use of touch-screen computer health stations facilitated collection of risk assessments, and increased provision of health education and referrals to appropriate services among at risk populations.

Methods: Demographic and risk assessment data were gathered and analyzed in January 2006 from 8 health stations across LAC, representing 1252 uses, in addition to data from 95 substance abuse surveys and 171 satisfaction surveys.

Results:

•Users represented ethnically diverse populations with most respondents identifying as African American or Latino and 20% of clients accessing the health stations in Spanish.

•Users identified risk for TB included homelessness or congested living space (29%); mucosal blood from cough

•Users reported high risk sexual behaviors included unprotected sex (25%), multiple partners (23%), HIV-positive sex partners (5%), trading sex for drugs, money or gifts (10%)

•Needle sharing was reported for IDU (7%), tattooing (5%), and body piercing (4%)

•22% reported substance abuse (SA), and 19% wanted SA treatment

•Most of the 95 users who completed the SA surveys accessed a list of SA information and treatment services

•82% thought the health stations were “OK” or “easy” to use and the information was “OK” or “easy” to understand.

Conclusions: Technology can be used successfully to gather information and provide linkage to services among diverse, high-risk clients who otherwise may not be reached through traditional methods, thereby enhancing services and interventions.

Learning Objectives: By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to

• Evaluate the utility of technology-based interventions in high-risk populations.
• Analyze risk assessment data to determine optimum placement of health stations kiosks to reach high-risk populations.
• Identify ways to incorporate technology into current interventions to enhance services.

Keywords: Technology, HIV Interventions

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered