OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and syphilis infection and to evaluate the process of integrating confidential testing at anonymous human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) counseling and testing sites.
METHODS: All clients attending anonymous HIV counseling and testing sites were offered HCV screening (began Oct 2000) and hepatitis B vaccination (began Jan 2001) and men who have sex with men (MSM) were offered syphilis screening (began Jun 2000) and hepatitis A vaccination (began Jan 2001). Persons who were HCV positive (RIBA confirmed) were offered follow-up assistance at 1, 3 and 6 months. The screening process will be evaluated from both the clients’ and counselors’ perspective.
RESULTS: Of the 568 clients screened for syphilis, 7 (1.2%) were infected, but none had early syphilis. Of the 1,253 visits recorded (Oct - Dec 2000), 459 (36.6%) persons accepted screening for HCV and 29 (6.3%) were positive. Among injection drug users (IDU), the HCV prevalence was 48.6% (17/35) which was 17 times that of non-IDUs (2.8%, 12/424, p=<0.001). Among non-IDU MSM, the HCV prevalence was also 2.8% (5/178). No clients refused HIV testing because confidential services were offered on site. Additional seroprevalence, hepatitis A and B vaccination acceptance, and HCV case follow-up data through Aug 2001 will be presented.
CONCLUSION: Many clients seeking anonymous HIV testing accepted confidential HCV and syphilis testing which suggest that other services such as selective hepatitis A and universal hepatitis B vaccination and urine testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea could be integrated into services at these sites.
Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will learn the risk factors for hepatitis C and syphilis among clients attending anonymous HIV counseling and testing sites 2. Participants will learn about the process of intergrating confidential testing at an anonymous service.
Keywords: Hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.