Feasibility and acceptability of a specialist clinical service for HIV-infected mineworkers in South Africa

摘要: Occupational settings offer an ideal opportunity to provide preventive health services for HIV-infected workers. A specialized clinic was established in a mining hospital the Free State, South Africa, with primary aim of delivering therapy such as isoniazid those at high risk tuberculosis (individuals HIV infection or silicosis), and cotrimoxazole highest opportunistic infections. The design has taken regard importance minimizing stigma, protecting confidentiality, monitoring potential side effects, supporting adherence identification prophylaxis failure. opened April 1999 and, by August 2001, 1773 patients had attended least once; 1762 are 11 have silicosis. Of infection, most were asymptomatic their first visit. achieved acceptability: 99% persons who actively recruited service agreed attend. number still attending after median 13 months from recruitment 1,270 (72%) only 48 (2.7%) declined continued attendance. Most losses due termination employment unrelated medical condition. already been successfully replicated two other regions Africa provides model workplace clinical that could be used implementation further interventions antiretroviral therapy.