Hepatitis C Case Study
Due to a knowledge deficit high risk behaviors contribute to high Hepatitis C infection rate among incarcerated males.
DETECTION AND MANAGEMENT of hepatitis C in the US prison population is a major public health problem, as evidenced by the estimate that more than one third1 of the approximately 5,400,000 people in the United States with active hepatitis C enter correctional facilities yearly.2 In North Dakota (popu- lation 642 000), the true inci- dence and prevalence of hepatitis C is not known; however, 25% of all positive antibody tests for hepatitis C reported yearly by the North Dakota Department of Health originate from the North Dakota Department of Correc- tions and Rehabilitation (ND DOCR).
Hepatitis C in prison populations is now a major public health problem, and large numbers of correctional facilities have no comprehensive management program, often because of formi- …show more content…
Participants in that study fared no better than random guessing on true/false questions with regards to their hepatitis knowledge. However, IDUs who received drug treatment services or hepatitis- specific medical care acquired and retained knowledge about hepatitis. Education and counselling comp- lementary to testing and treatment can further aid in spreading primary and secondary prevention messages to both HCV-positive and HCV-negative inmates. Alcohol use is a major contributor to HCV-related cirrhosis. Screening coupled with alcohol-cessation counselling could aid in reducing the burden of liver disease related to HCV infection. Treatment pro- grammes can address co-occurring disorders of mental illness and addiction, perhaps in a more controlled setting that in the community [14]. Implementation of such a comprehensive programme could take into account the characteristics of inmates less likely to accept treatment – younger age, higher education, and history of drug use – and could be tailored to address their
DETECTION AND MANAGEMENT of hepatitis C in the US prison population is a major public health problem, as evidenced by the estimate that more than one third1 of the approximately 5,400,000 people in the United States with active hepatitis C enter correctional facilities yearly.2 In North Dakota (popu- lation 642 000), the true inci- dence and prevalence of hepatitis C is not known; however, 25% of all positive antibody tests for hepatitis C reported yearly by the North Dakota Department of Health originate from the North Dakota Department of Correc- tions and Rehabilitation (ND DOCR).
Hepatitis C in prison populations is now a major public health problem, and large numbers of correctional facilities have no comprehensive management program, often because of formi- …show more content…
Participants in that study fared no better than random guessing on true/false questions with regards to their hepatitis knowledge. However, IDUs who received drug treatment services or hepatitis- specific medical care acquired and retained knowledge about hepatitis. Education and counselling comp- lementary to testing and treatment can further aid in spreading primary and secondary prevention messages to both HCV-positive and HCV-negative inmates. Alcohol use is a major contributor to HCV-related cirrhosis. Screening coupled with alcohol-cessation counselling could aid in reducing the burden of liver disease related to HCV infection. Treatment pro- grammes can address co-occurring disorders of mental illness and addiction, perhaps in a more controlled setting that in the community [14]. Implementation of such a comprehensive programme could take into account the characteristics of inmates less likely to accept treatment – younger age, higher education, and history of drug use – and could be tailored to address their