Knowledge of HIV and hepatitis B and C status among people living in extreme poverty in France, in 2012.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: "Médecins du Monde" healthcare centers receive individuals living in extremely precarious conditions for primary health care; 94% of these are foreigners. These medical consultations are an opportunity to discuss their serological status and to offer them screening tests. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Two standardized questionnaires were implemented in all healthcare centers in 2000. The medical record covers knowledge of HIV and hepatitis B and C status. RESULTS: 41,033 consultations were given in 2012 in the 20 healthcare centers, for 23,181 patients. Only 29% of the patients knew their hepatitis status and 35% their HIV status. 42% of French patients were unaware of their HIV status compared to 67% of foreign patients. The lack of knowledge of foreign patients' HIV status was more frequent among men and in age classes<20 and>60 years of age. Patients from non-EU Europe, the Middle East, and Asia were significantly more likely to be unaware of their HIV status compared to people from Sub-Saharan Africa and Oceania/America. The rate of foreigners not having undergone screening remained stable, regardless of the duration of residence in France. CONCLUSION: These results highlight the need to develop specific prevention projects among immigrant populations in precarious situations.