Drug Treatment Programs as Sites of Opportunity for the Delivery of Hepatitis C Prevention Education: Client and Staff Perspectives

This paper uses qualitative methods to examine both staff and clients' perceptions about the delivery of hepatitis C prevention education services at their respective residential drug treatment programs. Through in-depth discussion with participants, as well as program observation, we elicited...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of drug issues 2004-10, Vol.34 (4), p.861-878
Main Authors: Munoz-Plaza, Corrine E., Strauss, Shiela M., Astone, Janetta M., Des Jarlais, Don C., Hagan, Holly
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Attitudes
Client Satisfaction
Clients
Delivery Systems
Drug abusers
Education
Health Education
Hepatitis
Hepatitis C
Prevention
Prevention programs
Qualitative research
Residential Institutions
Staff
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse treatment
Treatment
Treatment Programs
USA
Venereal Diseases
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Summary:This paper uses qualitative methods to examine both staff and clients' perceptions about the delivery of hepatitis C prevention education services at their respective residential drug treatment programs. Through in-depth discussion with participants, as well as program observation, we elicited clients' and staff attitudes about the role that drug treatment programs can play in providing prevention education services for hepatitis C, their evaluation of existing hepatitis C prevention education services, and recommendations for enhancing future services. Although participants identified limitations to services, most perceive that treatment programs can play an important role in hepatitis C prevention education service delivery. Participants view clients' misconceptions about hepatitis C, increased disease stigma, and diminished service utilization as potential consequences of limited hepatitis C prevention education services. Recommendations for improving services include more detailed and frequent opportunities for hepatitis C education, formalizing services, offering education in multiple formats, and providing additional staff training.
ISSN:0022-0426
1945-1369
DOI:10.1177/002204260403400407