Routine testing for blood-borne viruses in prisons: a systematic review

摘要: Background: People in prison have a higher burden of blood-borne virus (BBV) infection than the general population, and prisons present an opportunity to test for BBVs high-risk, underserved groups. Changes BBV testing policies English recently been piloted. This review will enable existing evidence inform policy revisions. We describe components routine HIV, hepatitis B C quantify acceptance, coverage, result notification diagnosis. Methods: searched five databases studies both opt-in (testing offered all individual chooses or not) opt-out (the is informed be performed unless they actively refuse) policies. Results: Forty-four published between 1989 2013 met inclusion criteria. Of these, 82% were conducted USA, 91% included HIV most tested at time incarceration. acceptance rates ranged from 22 98% coverage 3 90%. Mixed results found equity uptake. Six reported reasons declining including recent fear. Conclusions: While quality mixed, this suggests that reasonable uptake can achieved with and, even better, Little was relating testing. Policies need specify exclusion criteria consider consent processes, type timing offer balance acceptability, competence availability individuals.