scholarly journals 314. Healthcare Providers’ Views on HCV Testing and Counseling Among Sexual Partners of Hepatitis C-Infected Persons

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S166-S167
Author(s):  
Katherine Dunham ◽  
Jessica McDonald ◽  
Anna Yousaf ◽  
Joshua A Barocas ◽  
Marguerite A Neill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Partner Notification ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Boston University ◽  
Counseling And Testing ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Hcv Testing ◽  
Outbreak Situation

Abstract Background Current hepatitis C virus (HCV) counseling guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) do not recommend that HCV-infected-patients notify their partners or encourage them to get tested. Because there is a small but present risk of HCV acquisition through sex, sexual partners should be encouraged to receive HCV counseling and testing. We aimed to assess healthcare professionals’ knowledge of and attitudes toward current counseling and testing recommendations for HCV-infected patients. Methods A 15-question, anonymous survey was designed and distributed to a convenience sample of healthcare providers (MDs, NPs, PAs) who work with Brown University or Boston University-affiliated hospitals. Questionnaires included demographic information as well as questions regarding providers’ current counseling practices and knowledge of current recommendations for HCV counseling. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the survey data. Results Of the 55 respondents (a 20% response rate), 73% believed that current CDC HCV testing guidelines already recommend partners of HCV-infected patients be tested for HCV infection. Furthermore, 80% of respondents believed recommendations should be revisited to explicitly include that HCV-infected patients encourage their partners to get tested. When counseling patients with HCV, 44% of respondents reported they always ask whether the patient’s partners have been tested for HCV and 42% reported they sometimes do. Similarly, 42% reported they always suggest that the HCV-infected patient’s partners be tested for HCV. If sufficient resources were available, 75% of respondents reported that they would support active partner notification for HCV during an HCV outbreak situation and 72% said they would support active partner notification in a non-outbreak situation where there is still high HCV incidence. Conclusion Our survey shows that healthcare providers believe that current HCV-counseling and testing recommendations could be revisited, with specific attention given to the promotion of HCV testing for partners of HCV-infected patients. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Healthcare Providers' Views on Hepatitis C Testing and Counseling Among Sexual Partners of Hepatitis C–Infected Persons

2020 ◽  
Vol Publish Ahead of Print ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Dunham ◽  
Jessica McDonald ◽  
Anna Yousaf ◽  
Joshua A. Barocas ◽  
Marguerite A. Neill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Testing And Counseling

scholarly journals Survey of partner notification practices for sexually transmissible infections in the United States

Sexual Health ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fidel A. Desir ◽  
Jessica H. Ladd ◽  
Charlotte A. Gaydos
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Control Method ◽  
Partner Notification ◽  
The United States ◽  
Planned Parenthood ◽  
Syphilis Infection ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Cooperation Rate ◽  
Control And Prevention

Background Partner notification (PN) for sexually transmissible infections (STIs) is a vital STI control method. The most recent evaluation of PN practices in the United States, conducted in 1999, indicated that few STI patients were offered PN services. The objectives of this study were to obtain a preliminary understanding of the current provision of PN services in HIV/STI testing sites throughout the US and to determine the types of PN services available. Methods: A convenience sample of 300 randomly selected testing sites was contacted to administer a phone survey about PN practices. These sites were from a large database maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sites were eligible to participate if they provided testing services for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV or syphilis and were not hospitals or Planned Parenthood locations. Results: Of the 300 eligible sites called, 79 sites were successfully reached, of which 74 agreed to participate, yielding a response rate of 24.7% and a cooperation rate of 93.7%. Most surveyed testing sites provided some form of PN service (anonymous or non-anonymous) on site or through an affiliate for chlamydia (100%), gonorrhoea (97%), HIV (91%) and syphilis (96%) infection. Anonymous PN services were available at 67–69% of sites. Only 6–9% of sites offered Internet-based PN services. Conclusions: Most surveyed testing sites currently offer some type of PN service for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV or syphilis infection. However, approximately one-third of surveyed sites do not offer anonymous services. Novel, Internet-based methods may be warranted to increase the availability of anonymous services.

‘It’s literally giving them a solution in their hands’: the views of young Australians towards patient-delivered partner therapy for treating chlamydia

2021 ◽  
pp. sextrans-2020-054820
Author(s):  
Elly Layton ◽  
Jane L Goller ◽  
Jacqueline Coombe ◽  
Meredith Temple-Smith ◽  
Jane Tomnay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Partner Notification ◽  
Index Patient ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Relationship Type ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Barriers And Enablers ◽  
The Relationship

ObjectivesPatient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT) is a method for providing antibiotic treatment for the sexual partners of an index patient with an STI by means of a prescription or medication that the index patient gives to their sexual partner(s). Qualitative research regarding barriers and enablers to PDPT has largely focused on the views of healthcare providers. In this study, we sought to investigate the views of young people (as potential health consumers) regarding PDPT for chlamydia.MethodsSemi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with young Australian men and women. Participants were asked to provide their views regarding PDPT from the perspective of both an index patient and partner. Purposive and snowball sampling was used. Data were analysed thematically.ResultsWe interviewed 22 people (13 women, 9 men) aged 18–30 years, 15 of whom had previously been tested for chlamydia. Despite none having previous knowledge of or experience using PDPT, all viewed it positively and thought it should be widely available. Participants reported that they would be willing to give PDPT to their sexual partners in situations where trust and comfort had been established, regardless of the relationship type. Protecting their partners’ privacy was essential, with participants expressing reluctance to provide their partners’ contact details to a doctor without consent. Beyond logistical benefits, PDPT was viewed as a facilitator to partner notification conversations by offering partners a potential solution. However, most interviewees indicated a preference to consult with a healthcare provider (GP or pharmacist) before taking PDPT medication. Participants indicated that legitimacy of information when navigating a chlamydia diagnosis was crucial and was preferably offered by healthcare providers.ConclusionsThough PDPT is unlikely to fully replace partners’ interactions with healthcare providers, it may facilitate partner notification conversations and provide partners greater choice on how, when and where they are treated.

Identification of Current Best Practices for Short-term Medical Mission Trips and Adherence to Current Common Principles and Guidelines

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 67-82
Author(s):  
Susan Andrews
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Global Health ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Survey Methodology ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Operational Practices ◽  
Descriptive Survey

Background:  Recent reviews of published guidelines for conducting short-term medical missions (STMM) identify significant concerns about the lack of adherence and of formal regulations concurrent with the increasing number of individuals and organizations participating in STMM. Method: A descriptive survey methodology was used. A 44-item survey that identifies current practices utilized by healthcare providers (HCP) who have participated in STMM was used based on the literature and prior research, and distributed electronically to HCP participating in STTM to identify current best practices and compare findings with the most recent recommendations for short-term global health activities. A focus on current operational practices was surveyed and analyzed to develop operational recommendations for the ethical and safe care provided during STMM. Results: Eighty-seven surveys were included in the final analysis, with 33% (N=29) serving as coordinators for the trip. The majority of the respondents were female (67%) and the primary roles represented were: MD (N=17; 20%), nurse practitioner (N=20; 23%), and registered nurse (N=18; 21%). A majority (N=48; 67%) traveled to South America or Latin America, with 38% (N=33) having participated in four or more STMM. Language proficiency was reported as deficient (N=35; 40%) along with little or no knowledge of the basic culture (N=39; 45%). Additional data were collected on trip preparation, clinic operations, and outcomes follow up. Conclusions: Using a convenience sample, the results of the survey provide information on the current best practices utilized by HCP who have participated in STMM and compare the findings to assess for adherence with the most recent recommendations for short-term global health activities. There was variation in the degree to which HCP were knowledgeable about specific aspects related to knowledge of local culture, language proficiency, and adherence to recommended practices for STMM. Additional research on STMM is needed, along with further exploration of how evidence based practices for STMM can be implemented to improve access and safety to the care provided while in the host country.

scholarly journals Stethoscope hygiene: A call to action. Recommendations to update the CDC guidelines

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Sarathi Kalra ◽  
Alpesh Amin ◽  
Nancy Albert ◽  
Cindy Cadwell ◽  
Cole Edmonson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Acoustic Properties ◽  
Patient Encounter ◽  
Call To Action ◽  
The Us ◽  
Cdc Guidelines ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Healthcare Acquired Infections ◽  
Current Guidance ◽  
Tremendous Challenge

Abstract Healthcare-acquired infections are a tremendous challenge to the US medical system. Stethoscopes touch many patients, but current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not support disinfection between each patient. Stethoscopes are rarely disinfected between patients by healthcare providers. When cultured, even after disinfection, stethoscopes have high rates of pathogen contamination, identical to that of unwashed hands. The consequence of these practices may bode poorly in the coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Alternatively, the CDC recommends the use of disposable stethoscopes. However, these instruments have poor acoustic properties, and misdiagnoses have been documented. They may also serve as pathogen vectors among staff sharing them. Disposable aseptic stethoscope diaphragm barriers can provide increased safety without sacrificing stethoscope function. We recommend that the CDC consider the research regarding stethoscope hygiene and effective solutions to contemporize this guidance and elevate stethoscope hygiene to that of the hands, by requiring stethoscope disinfection or change of disposable barrier between every patient encounter.

scholarly journals Self-reported hepatitis C(HCV) testing among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH)

Heliyon ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. e07727
Author(s):  
Mustapha Thaim Buya Kamara ◽  
Veronica Richards ◽  
Charurut Somboonwit ◽  
Haesuk Park ◽  
Nana Ayegua Hagan Seneadza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Hcv Testing

scholarly journals Values and preferences for hepatitis C self-testing among people who inject drugs in Kyrgyzstan

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillermo Z. Martínez-Pérez ◽  
Danil S. Nikitin ◽  
Alla Bessonova ◽  
Emmanuel Fajardo ◽  
Sergei Bessonov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
People Who Inject Drugs ◽  
Analysis Approach ◽  
Self Administration ◽  
Public Health Burden ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Hcv Testing

Abstract Background The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among people who inject drugs (PWID) continues to be a major public-health burden in this highly stigmatised population. To halt transmission of HCV, rapid HCV self-testing kits represent an innovative approach that could enable PWID to know their HCV status and seek treatment. As no HCV test has yet been licenced for self-administration, it is crucial to obtain knowledge around the factors that may deter or foster delivery of HCV self-testing among PWID in resource-constrained countries. Methods A qualitative study to assess values and preferences relating to HCV self-testing was conducted in mid-2020 among PWID in the Bishkek and Chui regions of Kyrgyzstan. Forty-seven PWID participated in 15 individual interviews, two group interviews (n = 12) and one participatory action-research session (n = 20). Responses were analysed using a thematic analysis approach with 4 predefined themes: awareness of HCV and current HCV testing experiences, and acceptability and service delivery preferences for HCV self-testing. Informants’ insights were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. This research received local ethics approval. Results Awareness of HCV is low and currently PWID prefer community-based HCV testing due to stigma encountered in other healthcare settings. HCV self-testing would be accepted and appreciated by PWID. Acceptability may increase if HCV self-testing: was delivered in pharmacies or by harm reduction associations; was free of charge; was oral rather than blood-based; included instructions with images and clear information on the test’s accuracy; and was distributed alongside pre- and post-testing counselling with linkage to confirmatory testing support. Conclusions HCV self-testing could increase awareness of and more frequent testing for HCV infection among PWID in Kyrgyzstan. It is recommended that peer-driven associations are involved in the delivery of any HCV self-testing. Furthermore, efforts should be maximised to end discrimination against PWID at the healthcare institutions responsible for confirmatory HCV testing and treatment provision.

A Cultural Approach to Conducting HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C Virus Education Among Native American Adolescents

2008 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 229-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Lowe
Keyword(s):  
Native American ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Prevention Program ◽  
Public High School ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Self Reliance ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Hiv Aids

This pilot study tests the feasibility of using a Talking Circle approach and measures cultural values and beliefs within a HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevention program conducted among a Native American (Cherokee) youth population. A descriptive correlation design was used to examine the relationship between Cherokee self-reliance and HIV/AIDS and HCV knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. The study used three questionnaires that were administered before and after the prevention program to collect data from a convenience sample of 41 students at a public high school within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma. Statistical analysis revealed immediate differences between pretests and posttests related to knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions concerning HIV/AIDS and HCV and the cultural dynamic of Cherokee self-reliance.

Testing for Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among Adults Aged ≥18 in the United States, 2013-2017

2021 ◽  
pp. 003335492110472
Author(s):  
Hope King ◽  
J. E. Soh ◽  
William W. Thompson ◽  
Jessica Rogers Brown ◽  
Karina Rapposelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Liver Disease ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
The United States ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
High School Education ◽  
Related Risk ◽  
Hcv Testing

Objective Approximately 2.4 million people in the United States are living with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The objective of our study was to describe demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, liver disease–related risk factors, and modifiable health behaviors associated with self-reported testing for HCV infection among adults. Methods Using data on adult respondents aged ≥18 from the 2013-2017 National Health Interview Survey, we summarized descriptive data on sociodemographic characteristics and liver disease–related risk factors and stratified data by educational attainment. We used weighted logistic regression to examine predictors of HCV testing. Results During the study period, 11.7% (95% CI, 11.5%-12.0%) of adults reported ever being tested for HCV infection. Testing was higher in 2017 than in 2013 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.27; 95% CI, 1.18-1.36). Adults with ≥some college were significantly more likely to report being tested (aOR = 1.60; 95% CI, 1.52-1.69) than adults with ≤high school education. Among adults with ≤high school education (but not adults with ≥some college), those who did not have health insurance were less likely than those with private health insurance (aOR = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.68-0.89) to get tested, and non–US-born adults were less likely than US-born adults to get tested (aOR = 0.77; 95% CI, 0.68-0.87). Conclusions Rates of self-reported HCV testing increased from 2013 to 2017, but testing rates remained low. Demographic characteristics, health behaviors, and liver disease–related risk factors may affect HCV testing rates among adults. HCV testing must increase to achieve hepatitis C elimination targets.

scholarly journals Medication understanding and health literacy among patients with multiple chronic conditions: a study conducted in Bangladesh

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fahad Imtiaz Rahman ◽  
Farina Aziz ◽  
Sumaiya Huque ◽  
Sadia Afruz Ether
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Chronic Condition ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Poor Health ◽  
Multiple Chronic Conditions ◽  
Multiple Chronic Condition ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Reduce Medication Error

Objectives: Medication understanding is critical for patients who suffer from multiple chronic conditions in order to reduce medication error and is often associated with poor health outcomesand low adherence. This study aims to identify the gap of medication knowledge among multiple chronic condition patients in Bangladesh, in order to aid physicians and other healthcare providers in improving health literacy.Methods: Individual interviews of a convenience sample of multiple chronic condition patients in Bangladesh were heldwhere they were asked a number of questions for assessing medication related literacy.Results: More than 26% patients failed to cite the brand name of all their prescribed medications while the rate of patients not knowing the generic names was far worse (88.1%). Nearly 1 out of every 4 patients did not know the purpose of all their medications and more than half of the participants (55%) did not know the strengths of their drugs. While knowledge about medication routes and regimen was satisfactory, awareness regarding risk factors of medicine was lowest of all. Only 1 out of every 4 patients had a habit of reading drug information leaflet. Patient’s ability to correctly state the purpose of their medication seemed to be positively associated with age (p=0.004) and negatively associated with number of medicines taken (p=0.03).Conclusions: Many patients demonstrated poor health literacy regarding medication. Routine review of medications from physician or health provider can significantly improve their health literacy, leading to better treatment outcome and medication adherence.

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