Dzimira, Paula
(2021)
Title Page
Viral Hepatitis Services and Providers in Pennsylvania: A Preliminary Survey.
Master Essay, University of Pittsburgh.
Abstract
Pennsylvania bears a considerable burden of viral hepatitis. Over 800 cases of hepatitis A have been reported in PA since January 2018 as part of large person-to-person outbreaks occurring in the United States. The opioid epidemic has also highlighted the increasing risk of hepatitis B transmission through intravenous drug use and PA remains among the top 10 states with the highest prevalence of chronic hepatitis C infections. The objective of this preliminary survey was to access the availability of hepatitis-related services and providers as well as current barriers to services with the goal of creating a centralized resource through which potential patients could find care.
Existing data and surveys conducted through the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) and a prior hepatitis provider map were analyzed for gaps in knowledge regarding hepatitis provider availability and services. An online survey was created in collaboration with pertinent groups including the PADOH survey and communications team to be distributed to providers listed on the 2016 provider map, free and charitable health clinics, and federally qualified health care centers in PA. Phone and email follow-ups were conducted to increase buy-in and promote survey participation. Data collected were then summarized and analyzed utilizing Microsoft Excel and uploaded into ArcGIS Online to create an updated hepatitis provider map to be linked on the PADOH’s hepatitis C webpage.
Reliable access to up-to-date information regarding preventive services and treatment is essential to those seeking care and to combatting the spread of viral hepatitis in Pennsylvania. Through this preliminary survey hepatitis-related services, providers, and barriers to care were identified to inform potential solutions to increase access to these services. This preliminary survey highlighted the need for increased funding and training for hepatitis-related services as well as statewide geographic gaps in care. An understanding of current provider availability is imperative to address barriers to care, properly allocate resources, combat the rising spread of viral hepatitis across the state and prevent associated morbidity and mortality of this major public health problem.
Share
| Citation/Export: |
|
| Social Networking: |
|
Details
| Item Type: |
Other Thesis, Dissertation, or Long Paper
(Master Essay)
|
| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
|
| Contributors: |
| Contribution | Contributors Name | Email | Pitt Username | ORCID  |
|---|
| Committee Chair | Glynn, Nancy | EPIDNWG@pitt.edu | EPIDNWG | UNSPECIFIED | | Committee Member | Orkis, Lauren | lmt61@pitt.edu | lmt61 | UNSPECIFIED | | Committee Member | Mair, Christina | cmair@pitt.edu | cmair | UNSPECIFIED |
|
| Date: |
14 May 2021 |
| Date Type: |
Completion |
| Number of Pages: |
81 |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Public Health > Epidemiology |
| Degree: |
MPH - Master of Public Health |
| Thesis Type: |
Master Essay |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Date Deposited: |
14 May 2021 19:12 |
| Last Modified: |
14 May 2023 05:15 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/40838 |
Metrics
Monthly Views for the past 3 years
Plum Analytics
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |
![[feed]](/images/feed-icon-32x32.png){kind=icon}