Chen, Nathaniel
(2024)
Viral Hepatitis Services in Pennsylvania Jails: Assets, Barriers, and Opportunities.
Master Essay, University of Pittsburgh.
Abstract
Viral hepatitis is an infectious disease leading to liver inflammation and damage. While advancements have been made in controlling the spread of viral hepatitis worldwide, it remains a prevalent public health issue. Many populations face disparities regarding viral hepatitis, especially incarcerated populations. Due to these individuals’ unique vulnerabilities, carceral system settings may be a vital source of viral hepatitis care for these individuals. As such, the Pennsylvania Department of Health conducted a survey investigating the status of viral hepatitis services for incarcerated individuals in county jails. The survey assessed viral hepatitis A, B, and C testing, treatment, and vaccination practices among all county jails throughout Pennsylvania (N=53). The majority of jails provided hepatitis C (90%) but not hepatitis B (21%) on-site testing services. Most jails provided hepatitis C (79%) and B (81%) on-site treatment services in some capacity. Finally, the majority jails provided on-site hepatitis B vaccination (81%) but not hepatitis A vaccination (17%). These findings show possible opportunities for service expansion in jails while possibly informing policy interventions improving the health of incarcerated populations. This is of major public health significance due to incarcerated populations’ high risk for infection as well as their cycle of incarceration and release back into the community.
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Unpublished |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 | Haggerty, Catherine L. | haggertyc@edc.pitt.edu | haggertyc | UNSPECIFIED | | Committee Member | Orkis, Lauren T. | laorkis@pa.gov | UNSPECIFIED | UNSPECIFIED | | Committee Member | Dauria, Emily F. | efd16@pitt.edu | efd16 | UNSPECIFIED |
|
| Date: |
3 January 2024 |
| Date Type: |
Completion |
| Submission Date: |
14 December 2023 |
| Access Restriction: |
2 year -- Restrict access to University of Pittsburgh for a period of 2 years. |
| Number of Pages: |
45 |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Public Health > Epidemiology |
| Degree: |
MPH - Master of Public Health |
| Thesis Type: |
Master Essay |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
incarceration, jails, policy, viral hepatitis, carceral settings, carceral healthcare, vaccination, hepatitis screening |
| Date Deposited: |
03 Jan 2024 16:18 |
| Last Modified: |
03 Jan 2024 16:18 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/45685 |
Metrics
Monthly Views for the past 3 years
Plum Analytics
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |
![[img]](http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/style/images/fileicons/application_pdf.png)
![[feed]](/images/feed-icon-32x32.png){kind=icon}