RESUMEN
Substance users are at high risk for blood-borne infections as well as those that are transmitted sexually. Substance abuse treatment centers present an opportunity to offer comprehensive counseling and testing (CCT) for HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to this high-risk population. We examined the feasibility and acceptability of one model of CCT among substance users. CCT was offered to 145 consecutive inpatients; study participants completed a risk factor questionnaire and selected from a menu of testing options. Thirty-six percent of those approached agreed to participate and accepted at least one biologic test. Sixty-two percent of participants accepted all tests that were offered. While beneficial to those who accept testing, the described model of CCT is feasible in a drug treatment center, but acceptable to only a minority of inpatients.
Asunto(s)
Infecciones por VIH/diagnóstico , Hepatitis Viral Humana/diagnóstico , Aceptación de la Atención de Salud/estadística & datos numéricos , Enfermedades de Transmisión Sexual/diagnóstico , Centros de Tratamiento de Abuso de Sustancias , Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias/rehabilitación , Adolescente , Adulto , Atención Integral de Salud , Estudios de Factibilidad , Femenino , Infecciones por VIH/epidemiología , Hepatitis Viral Humana/epidemiología , Humanos , Masculino , Massachusetts/epidemiología , Prevalencia , Factores de Riesgo , Enfermedades de Transmisión Sexual/epidemiología , Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias/complicaciones , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Substance abuse treatment centers provide an opportunity to offer sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening to a high-risk and hard-to-reach population. GOAL: The goal was to assess STI prevalence, risk factors, and acceptability of STI screening among females at substance abuse treatment centers with use of urine testing by ligase chain reaction and self-collected swab specimens. STUDY DESIGN: Adult, female inpatients were offered free testing and treatment for chlamydia infection, gonorrhea, and trichomonas infection. Interviews were conducted to collect risk behavior data. RESULTS: Eighty-six percent of inpatients (180/209) accepted testing. Twenty-three percent (41/177) had an STI. Of those with an STI, 90% (37/41) had trichomonas infection. All 41 infected patients received treatment. Drug use before sex, exchange of sex for money/drugs, and any gynecological complaint were significantly associated with infection. Most women were uninsured (76%). Only 45% had undergone a medical examination in the past year. CONCLUSION: STI screening is highly acceptable among women in substance abuse treatment centers. Substance users are at high risk for STIs and may not otherwise receive medical care.