CTN-0012: Characteristics of Screening, Evaluation, and Treatment of HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C Viral Infections, and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Substance Abuse Treatment Programs

Lawrence Brown, Jr., MD, MPH
Lead Investigator
Division of Medical Services
Addiction Research and Treatment Corporation
Lbrown@artcny.org

Substance abuse is associated with a wide spectrum of medical disorders, including infections due to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the hepatitis C virus (HCV) as well as sexually transmitted infections. Despite the seriousness of this problem, there has not been a systematic investigation of infectious disease services in the substance abuse treatment health care delivery system. This study surveyed CTP administrators and direct care providers, and reviews policies related to clinical guidelines and reimbursement through a survey of administrators of state substance abuse agencies or health departments.

Primary Findings

Treatment programs varied in corporate structure, source of revenue, patient census, medical services, counseling services and staff education targeted HIV/AIDS more often than HCV or STI. The results of this study have already served as hypothesis generator for prospective HIV studies at the CTN. In addition to filling the information gap about available services for infectious disease in substance abuse treatment programs, this study provides a basis for future studies on the efficiency of these services and of health outcomes.

Primary Outcomes Article: Brown L, et al. Health services for HIV/AIDS, HCV, and sexually transmitted infections in substance abuse treatment programs. Public Health Reports 2007;122:441-445. [get article]