The UFO Model: An HCV prevention intervention for young adult IDU - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

The UFO Model: An HCV prevention intervention for young adult IDU Overcoming Health Disparities in the Bay Area May 23, 2012 Pamela DeCarlo, Kimberly Page PhD MPH, UCSF www.ufomodel.org

What are the UCSF UFO studies? In San Francisco since 1997, studies of • HCV and HIV • Risk behaviors • HBV immunizations • Heroin-related overdose • Intergenerational drug use • IDU cessation and relapse • Gender differences in risk and infection • HCV vaccine preparedness • Acute infection

The UFO Model intervention • What: The UFO Model is a multi- component, multi-level hepatitis education and prevention intervention • Who: UFO serves young adult IDU under age 30 • Why: Young adult IDUs are at high risk for HCV, HIV, accidental overdose

Drivers of disparity: biological • HCV is highly infectious— 10x more than HIV • HCV is highly efficient. Spread through drug paraphernalia, not just syringes • 37% of HCV infections among young injectors are due to sharing drug preparation equipment • Narrow window of opportunity for prevention • After 1 year of injecting 20% of IDU are HCV+ • After 5 years 45%

Drivers of disparity: socioeconomic • Homelessness • SF: 70% • US: 50% • Incarceration • SF: 85% • US: 74% • Injection risk • SF: 43% shared syringes • 76% shared injecting equipment • US: 54% • Bailey, SL, 2007; Page K, 2009

Drivers of disparity: policy

Overcoming disparity: UFO Model Modular, flexible, adaptable 1. Outreach and education 2. Youth-centered referrals 3. Drop-in center 4. Syringe access 5. Counseling and testing for HCV, and immunizations for HAV, HBV 6. Education and support group

Thanks for listening • More info at: www.ufomodel.org • Questions? Contact Pam DeCarlo pdecarlo@psg.ucsf.edu (415) 597-9360 • Goodbye!

Who are we? • Pamela DeCarlo: Project Director • Kimberly Page PhD MPH: Principal Investigator • Nickie Tilsner: Implementation Manager • Giuseppe Cavaleri: Designer