Organizational issues in conducting tuberculosis screening at a syringe exchange program

Denise Paone, David C. Perlman, Mary Patricia Perkins, Lee M. Kochems, Nadim Salomon, Don C.Des Jarlais

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

There has been a rise in tuberculosis (TB) cases in the United States and there is a potent link between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis. In New York City it is estimated that 40% of the 200,000 injecting drug users are infected with HIV. In addition, the tuberculosis case rate is infected with HIV. Drug users have a high prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection and are at high risk for progression to active tuberculosis. Drug users are at high risk for both HIV and TB. Although studies have shown the value of incorporating TB services into drug treatment programs, the majority of drug users in the United States are not in drug treatment. We have been evaluating the feasibility of conducting TB screening and directly observed TB preventive therapy for active injecting drug users at a syringe exchange program in New York City. This paper describes issues relating to the implementation of the TB screening program and discusses general and operational issues revealed to integrating medical and public health programs into existing programs serving drug using individuals.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)229-234
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Substance Abuse Treatment
Volume15
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1998

Keywords

  • Injecting drug users
  • Syringe exchange
  • Tuberculosis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Phychiatric Mental Health
  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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