STD, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis services in Illinois County Jails

Abstract

Objective: : To assess the availability of STD, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis services provided at Illinois adult county jails.

Goal: : Identify opportunities and barriers to service provision.

Study design: : Telephone survey to those providing medical services in Illinois county jails.

Results: : Eighty-one (89%) of 91 Illinois jails responded. Half (49.3%) of the facilities offered on-site testing for STD, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis on demand/with symptoms, although only 4 offered routine screening. Discharge planning services were offered in only 40% of facilities. Cost (43.2%) and limited staff (14.8%) were cited as primary barriers to service provision.

Conclusions: : Screening, treatment, and discharge planning services for STD, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis are not universal in Illinois jails. Despite current levels of funding and staffing assistance from health departments to jails, further collaboration is needed to improve case identification and treatment in this high-risk population. Needs assessments are useful in identifying opportunities and barriers to service provision.