Hearing Consumer Voices: Planning HIV/Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention in Alcohol Detoxification

Abstract

The literature has provided ample evidence that individuals abusing or dependent upon alcohol are at high risk for contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Despite the documented need of this vulnerable group for targeted HIV/STI prevention efforts, no prior research has explored the efficacy and feasibility of HIV/STI prevention for individuals in alcohol detoxification. The current study sought the voices of consumers of such services to get their guidance about successful and necessary features of HIV/STI prevention programs targeted to their needs. Two focus groups conducted yielded exceptionally helpful information. Consumers clearly want to be educated about HIV/STI, seeing this as crucial to their physical well-being and safety. They voiced preferences for nonjudgmental counselors who meet with them on an individual basis in contexts that protect consumer privacy. A clear set of guidelines emerged for an intervention structure that, if carefully honored, has strong likelihood of success in protecting individuals in alcohol detoxification from HIV/STI.

HIV Prevention Efforts Within Substance Use Disorder Treatment Settings

“…For example , Tracy et al (2009) surveyed SUD treatment clinicians regarding opinions and the delivery of services for STIs and found that clinicians were more likely to provide more of these services if they were more comfortable discussing sexual and intimate relationship issues. SUD treatment patients may respond better to HIV prevention interventions administered by counselors more comfortable with the material, in particular if counselors take a nonjudgmental stance (Brems and Dewane 2007).…”

Health Care Providers' Reports of Perceived Stigma Associated with HIV and AIDS in Rural and Urban Communities

“…Individuals fear being labeled with HIV by their community just for being seen with that provider (Brems & Dewane, 2007;Roberts et al, 2001). Similarly, health care providers, writing about their experiences with rural patients in their local practices report that their patients in small communities experience greater stigma associated with HIV and that such stigma leads to harassment and discrimination (Verghese, Berk, & Sarubbi, 1989).…”