Universal Screening for HIV and Hepatitis C Infection: A Community-Based Pilot Project

Am J Prev Med. 2018 Nov;55(5 Suppl 1):S112-S121. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2018.05.015.

Abstract

Introduction: Black men in the Deep South have been disproportionally affected by high HIV and hepatitis C virus infection rates. Conventional clinic-based screening approaches have had limited success in reaching those with undiagnosed HIV or hepatitis C virus infection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and best practices of an integrated HIV and hepatitis C virus community-based health screening approach.

Methods: The study used a mixed methods approach: focus group discussion, individual interviews, and surveys that assessed perceptions, perspectives, and HIV and hepatitis C virus awareness among six communities across Alabama and Mississippi. Data were collected and analyzed in 2014-2017.

Results: Although HIV and hepatitis C virus knowledge was limited among community members surveyed, the results of this study suggest that (1) using an integrated, community-based HIV and hepatitis C virus testing approach is acceptable and feasible; (2) formation of a community advisory board is a key element of successful community mobilization; (3) education and training of community members on disease-specific topics and overcoming stigma are essential; and (4) focus on and inclusion of young community members will be critical for the sustainability of screening efforts.

Conclusions: Including and engaging communities at risk for HIV and hepatitis C virus infection in prevention research is a promising strategy to overcome existing barriers of stigma and discrimination. Integration of HIV and hepatitis C virus testing in universal health screening efforts utilizing a Community Health Advisors model encourages unbiased communication with a focus on overall community health. Community health advisors are recognized as important agents in this effort.

Supplement information: This article is part of a supplement entitled African American Men's Health: Research, Practice, and Policy Implications, which is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alabama
  • Black or African American
  • Community Health Services / methods*
  • Community Health Services / organization & administration
  • Community Participation
  • Culturally Competent Care / methods
  • Culturally Competent Care / organization & administration
  • Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / methods*
  • Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / organization & administration
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • HIV / isolation & purification
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis*
  • HIV Infections / virology
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Status Disparities
  • Healthcare Disparities
  • Hepacivirus
  • Hepatitis C / diagnosis*
  • Hepatitis C / virology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / methods*
  • Mass Screening / organization & administration
  • Middle Aged
  • Mississippi
  • Pilot Projects
  • Social Stigma
  • Young Adult