HIV and Hepatitis Care Coordination in Methadone Treatment

Funding Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
Funding Period: 2006-2011
Principal Investigator: David C. Perlman, M.D.
CDUHR Co-Investigator(s): Don C. Des Jarlais, Ph.D.

Injection drug users (IDUs) have high rates of HIV and viral hepatitis including hepatitis A (HAV), hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV). Drug users experience significant barriers to accessing prevention and care services. An integration of HIV and hepatitis prevention, screening and health care services into drug treatment programs may increase engagement in and adherence to medical care. This study will examine the effectiveness of a strategy of HIV and hepatitis care coordination (HCC) consisting of testing, education, counseling and vaccination for methadone maintenance patients compared with standard testing, education and counseling (TEC). In HCC, HIV and hepatitis screening, education, counseling and case management to promote HIV and HCV evaluation, plus HAV and HBV vaccination will be provided on-site. In TEC, hepatitis screening will be conducted on-site, but vaccinations will be provided by an off-site referral. The two groups will be compared on adherence to HAV and HBV vaccinations, attendance at an initial appointment to an HIV and/or HCV care provider, HIV and hepatitis knowledge, HIV-related risk behaviors and alcohol use.