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Detection and treatment of HIV and hepatitis virus infections in Swiss correctional facilities

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International Journal of Public Health

Summary

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to obtain an overview on diagnostic and therapeutic activities concerning hepatitis A, B, C virus and HIV in Swiss prisons.

Methods:

A standardized questionnaire was sent to 91 prisons in the German and Italian speaking parts in October 2004; 41 institutions (45%) answered the questionnaire.

Results:

In almost all prisons serological examinations were not done routinely, but were provided when demanded by inmates or recommended by the medical service. Vaccination against hepatitis A or B infection and initiation of antiviral therapy was possible in most institutions.

Conclusions:

Most of the prisons investigated offered diagnostic and antiviral treatment for hepatitis virus and HIV infections. A reported problem was the discontinuation of ongoing treatments or vaccination cycles after discharge. In some cases deficient funding was an obstacle.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction, Konradstrasse 32, P.O. Box 8031, Zurich, Switzerland

    Miriam G. Gerlich (MPH), Ulrich Frick, Lynn Pirktl & Ambros Uchtenhagen

  2. Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, Feldkirchen, Austria

    Ulrich Frick

Authors
  1. Miriam G. Gerlich
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  2. Ulrich Frick
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  3. Lynn Pirktl
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  4. Ambros Uchtenhagen
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Miriam G. Gerlich.

Additional information

Submitted: 25 January 2006; Revised: 18 July 2007, 02 June 2008; Accepted: 11 June 2008

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Gerlich, M.G., Frick, U., Pirktl, L. et al. Detection and treatment of HIV and hepatitis virus infections in Swiss correctional facilities. Int J Public Health 53, 268–271 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-008-6014-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-008-6014-8

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