Provision of HIV related services to persons entering the Philadelphia prison.
Int Conf AIDS 1990 Jun 20-23; 6:349 (abstract no. Th.D.893) van de Beek ML; Department of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
The Philadelphia Prison System admits 35,000 detainees on an annual basis, with 4,000 residents at any given time. Currently, 70% of entrants are charged with drug offenses; 4,000 prostitution arrests are made annually. The HIV program in the prison includes amongst its objectives: (1) The determination of HIV seroprevalence; (2) The availability of counseling and testing services for all entrants; (3) The provision of comprehensive HIV related medical services; (4) The prevention of HIV transmission. Blinded studies have estimated HIV seroprevalence amongst entrants, as well as incidence of infection with Hepatitis B, HTLV-I, and syphilis, utilizing specimens drawn for serologic testing on all entrants from whom venous blood can be obtained. A model has been developed for voluntary counseling and testing services for all entrants, and resources are being identified. Currently, testing is offered on a limited basis. All persons are provided with a comprehensive AIDS education program, including availability of condoms. Those who request testing receive pre and post-test counseling, and are offered referral to the prison health system for medical care. Appropriate social services are being developed. A group of local physicians has developed a protocol for the medical management of persons with HIV infection in the prison. Intensive coordination has occurred both within the Health Dept., other city agencies, and with providers at the facility. Our first study revealed 4.1% seroprevalence amongst entrants. A second study will be reviewed in this presentation. The number of persons accepting testing is rapidly increasing; seropositivity rates are substantially higher amongst persons tested than amongst entrants. Participation in medical services is being assessed, and budget projections for this program are being developed for the next five years.
Keywords: AEGIS, Prisons, HIV Seroprevalence, HIV Infections, Counseling, Hepatitis B, Seroepidemiologic Studies, Prostitution, Incidence, Health Services Accessibility, Hepatitis B Antibodies, Social Work, Philadelphia, ICA6
