Benford Miller, Miranda Rose
(2021)
Addressing Viral Hepatitis and HIV Outbreaks Among Persons Who Inject Drugs in Allegheny County: A Community Response Plan Proposal.
Master Essay, University of Pittsburgh.
Abstract
Background: In 2015, Scott County, Indiana experienced a significant outbreak of HIV and hepatitis C associated with intravenous drug use. The outbreak prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to identify other communities in the U.S. at risk for similar outbreaks. Based on the results from the CDC’s report, The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH), created a vulnerability index identifying counties most at risk for an outbreak like that of the 2015 Indiana outbreak. The PADOH identified Allegheny County as a “more vulnerable” county with specific communities at an increased risk of viral hepatitis and HIV outbreaks. Historically, hepatitis A has been excluded from other CRPs surrounding IDU; however, given that outbreaks of hepatitis A are increasing in the U.S., particularly among PWID, this indicates a need for the inclusion of hepatitis A in future prevention planning efforts.
Recommendations: As viral hepatitis A, B, and C and HIV cases are on the rise in Allegheny County, a comprehensive CRP is critical to prevent and prepare for outbreaks of PWID in Allegheny County. The creation of a CRP must consider the sociocultural and legal barriers to health access for PWID such as criminalization of bloodborne infections and IDU, illegalization of harm reduction practices, negative encounters with law enforcement, unstable housing, lack or inadequate insurance coverage, economic instability, homelessness, poor mental health, and stigma and discrimination. Further, the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) must operate within its legal authority to effectuate appropriate community prevention, immediate and intermediate response, recovery, and sustained response. It is recommended that the ACHD implement a CRP addressing viral hepatitis A, B, and C and HIV among PWID in Allegheny County.
Public Health Significance: Viral hepatitis A, B, and C and human immunodeficiency (HIV) cases are increasing among persons who inject drugs (PWID) on a national and local level. PWID are a vulnerable, extremely stigmatized population that is often overlooked in public health interventions. The implementation of a community response plan (CRP) in Allegheny County to address viral hepatitis A, B, and C and HIV among PWID is critical for outbreak prevention, preparation, and response.
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Details
| Item Type: |
Other Thesis, Dissertation, or Long Paper
(Master Essay)
|
| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
| Creators | Email | Pitt Username | ORCID  |
|---|
| Benford Miller, Miranda Rose | mrb179@pitt.edu | mrb179 | |
|
| Contributors: |
| Contribution | Contributors Name | Email | Pitt Username | ORCID |
|---|
| Committee Chair | Haggerty, Catherine | haggertyc@edc.pitt.edu | haggertyc | UNSPECIFIED | | Committee Member | Batra Hershey, Tina | tbh16@pitt.edu | tbh16 | UNSPECIFIED | | Committee Member | Fiddner, Jennifer | Jennifer.Fiddner@AlleghenyCounty.us | UNSPECIFIED | UNSPECIFIED |
|
| Date: |
14 December 2021 |
| Date Type: |
Completion |
| Number of Pages: |
75 |
| 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: |
06 Jan 2022 19:08 |
| Last Modified: |
06 Jan 2024 06:15 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/42121 |
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