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Hajarizadeh B, Kairouz A, Ottaviano S, Ireland J, Willing A, Cunningham E, Webb P, Colledge-Frisby S, Wheeler A, Leung J, Tran LT, Price O, Vickerman P, Farrell M, Hickman M, Dore GJ, Bergenström A, Degenhardt L, Grebely J. Global, regional, and country-level coverage of testing and treatment for HIV and hepatitis C infection among people who inject drugs: a systematic review. Lancet Glob Health 2023; 11:e1885-e1898. [PMID: 37973339 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(23)00461-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs are disproportionately affected by HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, while there is little global data on HIV and HCV testing and treatment coverage of this population. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate country-level, regional, and global coverage of HIV and HCV testing and treatment among people who inject drugs. METHODS We did a systematic review, and searched bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO) and grey literature for studies published between Jan 1, 2017, and April 30, 2022, that evaluated the proportion of people who inject drugs who received testing or treatment for HIV or HCV. For each country, we estimated the proportion of people who inject drugs tested for HIV antibodies in the past 12 months (recent), people who inject drugs ever tested for HCV antibodies and HCV RNA, people who inject drugs with HIV currently receiving antiretroviral therapy, and people who inject drugs with HCV ever receiving HCV antiviral treatment. Regional and global estimates, weighted by the population size of people who inject drugs, were generated where sufficient data were available. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020173974). FINDINGS 512 documents reported data eligible for analyses, including 337 peer-reviewed articles, 27 conference abstracts or presentations, and 148 documents from grey literature or supplementary searches. Data of recent HIV antibody testing were available for 67 countries and ever having had HCV antibody testing were available for 49 countries. Globally, an estimated 48·8% of people who inject drugs were recently tested for HIV antibodies (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 43·3-54·2%; range 0·9-86·0%), and 47·1% had ever been tested for HCV antibodies (95% UI 43·4-51·0%; range 0·0-93·3%). HCV RNA testing data were available from three countries. Coverage of HIV antibody testing was high (>75%) in four countries and for HCV antibody testing in 15 countries. The estimated uptake of current HIV treatment (18 countries) ranged from 2·6% to 81·9%, and the estimated uptake of ever having HCV treatment (23 countries) ranged from 1·8% to 88·6% across countries. Uptake of HIV treatment was high in two countries, and of HCV treatment in one country. INTERPRETATION HIV and HCV testing and treatment uptake among people who inject drugs was highly variable, and suboptimal in most countries. Strategies to improve access to HIV and HCV care among people who inject drugs and the availability of public health surveillance are urgently required. FUNDING Australian National Health and Medical Research Council and UK National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behzad Hajarizadeh
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Abe Kairouz
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sophie Ottaviano
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jeremy Ireland
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alex Willing
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Evan Cunningham
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Paige Webb
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Samantha Colledge-Frisby
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alice Wheeler
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Janni Leung
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; National Centre For Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Lucy T Tran
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Olivia Price
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, England
| | - Michael Farrell
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, England
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anne Bergenström
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Mafirakureva N, Stone J, Fraser H, Nzomukunda Y, Maina A, Thiong’o AW, Kizito KW, Mucara EWK, Diaz CIG, Musyoki H, Mundia B, Cherutich P, Nyakowa M, Lizcano J, Chhun N, Kurth A, Akiyama MJ, Waruiru W, Bhattacharjee P, Cleland C, Donchuk D, Luhmann N, Loarec A, Maman D, Walker J, Vickerman P. An intensive model of care for hepatitis C virus screening and treatment with direct-acting antivirals in people who inject drugs in Nairobi, Kenya: a model-based cost-effectiveness analysis. Addiction 2022; 117:411-424. [PMID: 34184794 PMCID: PMC8737065 DOI: 10.1111/add.15630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment is essential for eliminating HCV in people who inject drugs (PWID), but has limited coverage in resource-limited settings. We measured the cost-effectiveness of a pilot HCV screening and treatment intervention using directly observed therapy among PWID attending harm reduction services in Nairobi, Kenya. DESIGN We utilized an existing model of HIV and HCV transmission among current and former PWID in Nairobi to estimate the cost-effectiveness of screening and treatment for HCV, including prevention benefits versus no screening and treatment. The cure rate of treatment and costs for screening and treatment were estimated from intervention data, while other model parameters were derived from literature. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated over a life-time horizon from the health-care provider's perspective. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. SETTING Nairobi, Kenya. POPULATION PWID. MEASUREMENTS Treatment costs, incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (cost per disability-adjusted life year averted). FINDINGS The cost per disability-adjusted life-year averted for the intervention was $975, with 92.1% of the probabilistic sensitivity analyses simulations falling below the per capita gross domestic product for Kenya ($1509; commonly used as a suitable threshold for determining whether an intervention is cost-effective). However, the intervention was not cost-effective at the opportunity cost-based cost-effectiveness threshold of $647 per disability-adjusted life-year averted. Sensitivity analyses showed that the intervention could provide more value for money by including modelled estimates for HCV disease care costs, assuming lower drug prices ($75 instead of $728 per course) and excluding directly-observed therapy costs. CONCLUSIONS The current strategy of screening and treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) among people who inject drugs in Nairobi is likely to be highly cost-effective with currently available cheaper drug prices, if directly-observed therapy is not used and HCV disease care costs are accounted for.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jack Stone
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Hannah Fraser
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Aron Maina
- Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | | | | | - Helgar Musyoki
- National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP), Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Mercy Nyakowa
- Ministry of Health—Republic of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | | | - Matthew J. Akiyama
- Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wanjiru Waruiru
- University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Josephine Walker
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Goodyear T, Brown H, Browne AJ, Hoong P, Ti L, Knight R. "Stigma is where the harm comes from": Exploring expectations and lived experiences of hepatitis C virus post-treatment trajectories among people who inject drugs. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 96:103238. [PMID: 33902968 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The advent of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications has facilitated opportunities to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) among people who inject drugs (PWID). However, there remains a need for data about how to optimally support PWID throughout DAA post-treatment trajectories, including with regard to re-infection prevention. The objective of this study is therefore to identify how PWID with lived experience of HCV describe their expectations and experiences related to health and social outcomes, contexts, and substance use practices following completion of DAA treatment. METHODS We thematically analyzed data from in-depth, semi-structured interviews, conducted between January and June 2018, in Vancouver, Canada, with a purposive sample (n = 50) of PWID at various stages of DAA treatment (e.g., pre, peri, post). RESULTS Our analysis yielded three themes. First, while participants had hoped to experience holistic enhancements in wellbeing following HCV cure, discussions of actual post-treatment experiences tended to be located in physical health (e.g., increased energy). Second, participants often pointed to the ways in which HCV-related and other stigmas had restricted opportunities for health and healthcare access. Participants therefore identified stigma-reduction as a key motivator of HCV cure, and while reductions in internalized stigma were sometimes achieved, participants underscored that other forms of enacted stigma (e.g., related to: substance use, HIV, poverty) had continued to feature prominently in their post-treatment lives. Third, participants described considerable knowledge about how to prevent HCV re-infection following cure, but they also expressed apprehensiveness about how socio-structural barriers, including stigma and criminalization, could interfere with harm reduction and re-infection prevention efforts. CONCLUSIONS DAAs are transforming the health and wellbeing of some PWID. Yet, HCV-related policy must extend beyond the scale-up of DAAs to include concerted public health investments, including anti-stigma efforts and improvements to the social welfare system, to meaningfully advance equity in PWID's post-treatment trajectories and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Goodyear
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Helen Brown
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Annette J Browne
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Peter Hoong
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lianping Ti
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Rod Knight
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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Goodyear T, Brown H, Browne AJ, Hoong P, Ti L, Knight R. "I want to get better, but…": identifying the perceptions and experiences of people who inject drugs with respect to evolving hepatitis C virus treatments. Int J Equity Health 2021; 20:81. [PMID: 33740984 PMCID: PMC7977167 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-021-01420-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The advent of highly tolerable and efficacious direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications has transformed the hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment landscape. Yet, people who inject drugs (PWID) - a population with inequitably high rates of HCV and who face significant socio-structural barriers to healthcare access - continue to have disproportionately low rates of DAA uptake. The objective of this study is to explore how PWID with lived experience of HCV perceive and experience DAA treatment, in a setting with universal coverage of these medications since 2018. METHODS Informed by a critical interpretive framework, we thematically analyze data from in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted between January and June 2018 in Vancouver, Canada, with a purposive sample (n = 56) of PWID at various stages (e.g., pre, peri, post) of DAA treatment. RESULTS The analysis yielded three key themes: (i) life with HCV, (ii) experiences with and perceptions of evolving HCV treatments, and (iii) substance use and the uptake of DAA treatments. First, participants described how health and healthcare conditions, such as the deprioritizing of HCV (e.g., due to: being asymptomatic, healthcare provider inaction, gatekeeping) and catalysts to care (e.g., symptom onset, treatment for co-morbidities) shaped DAA treatment motivation and access. Second, participants described how individual and community-level accounts of evolving HCV treatments, including skepticism following negative experiences with Interferon-based treatment and uncertainty regarding treatment eligibility, negatively influenced willingness and opportunities to access DAAs. Concurrently, participants described how peer and community endorsement of DAAs was positively associated with treatment uptake. Third, participants favoured HCV care that was grounded in harm reduction, which included the integration of DAAs with other substance use-related services (e.g., opioid agonist therapy, HIV care), and which was often contrasted against abstinence-focused care wherein substance use is framed as a contraindication to HCV treatment access. CONCLUSIONS These findings underscore several equity-oriented healthcare service delivery and clinician adaptations that are required to scale up DAAs among PWID living with HCV, including the provision of harm reduction-focused, non-stigmatizing, integrated, and peer-led care that responds to power differentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Goodyear
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St, V6Z 2A9, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Helen Brown
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Annette J Browne
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Peter Hoong
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St, V6Z 2A9, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lianping Ti
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St, V6Z 2A9, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Rod Knight
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St, V6Z 2A9, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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Akiyama MJ, Muller A, Huang O, Lizcano J, Nyakowa M, Riback L, Ross J, Bundi H, Kulabi ES, Mwangi AM, Musyoki H, Cherutich P, Kurth A. Hepatitis C-related knowledge, attitudes and perceived risk behaviours among people who inject drugs in Kenya: A qualitative study. Glob Public Health 2021; 17:1016-1028. [PMID: 33689563 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2021.1896763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite disproportionately high rates of Hepatitis C (HCV) among people who inject drugs (PWID) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), understanding of HCV-related knowledge, attitudes and perceived risk behaviours among this population remains limited. We aimed to elucidate knowledge, attitudes and experiences that could minimise transmission risk and maximise HCV treatment engagement among PWID in Kenya following the integration of HCV screening and education with needle and syringe programmes in drop-in-centres (DICs). We recruited 40 PWID with chronic HCV attending DICs in Nairobi and Coastal Kenya. Semi-structured interviews revealed a general understanding of HCV and awareness of HCV risk behaviours among participants; however, many felt limited control over their transmission risk due to factors such as 'local doctors', or individuals who perform a high volume of high-risk injections. Financial barriers, distance to clinic, poor health status and HCV-related stigma were all noted as barriers to HCV treatment. In conclusion, basic knowledge of and motivation for HCV treatment among PWID accessing DICs in Kenya was high; however, structural barriers and stigma complicate access to care. Local education programmes can address knowledge gaps, and behavioural and structural interventions can maximise the impact of HCV care in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Akiyama
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine / Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Abbe Muller
- Yale University, Yale School of Nursing, Orange, CT, USA
| | - Owen Huang
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine / Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - John Lizcano
- Yale University, Yale School of Nursing, Orange, CT, USA
| | - Mercy Nyakowa
- Kenya Ministry of Health, National AIDS & STI Control Program (NASCOP), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lindsey Riback
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine / Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan Ross
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine / Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Henry Bundi
- Kenya Ministry of Health, National AIDS & STI Control Program (NASCOP), Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Ann Muthoni Mwangi
- Kenya Ministry of Health, National AIDS & STI Control Program (NASCOP), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Helgar Musyoki
- Kenya Ministry of Health, National AIDS & STI Control Program (NASCOP), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Peter Cherutich
- Kenya Ministry of Health, National AIDS & STI Control Program (NASCOP), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ann Kurth
- Yale University, Yale School of Nursing, Orange, CT, USA
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Kushner T, Reau N. Changing epidemiology, implications, and recommendations for hepatitis C in women of childbearing age and during pregnancy. J Hepatol 2021; 74:734-741. [PMID: 33248169 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite the remarkable advances in HCV treatment brought about by the advent of direct-acting antivirals, HCV remains a global public health concern. One particular concern relates to the rising prevalence of HCV in women of childbearing age. Active HCV during pregnancy is associated with cholestasis of pregnancy as well as the risk of mother-to-child transmission. Guidelines are increasingly recommending universal screening during pregnancy, while the treatment of HCV during pregnancy is an area of ongoing research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana Kushner
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nancy Reau
- Hepatology Services, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States.
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Mora M, Goodyear T, Marcellin F, Shoveller J, Di Beo V, Calzolaio C, Sogni P, Wittkop L, Zucman D, Poizot-Martin I, Lacombe K, Salmon-Céron D, Knight R, Carrieri P. Life after hepatitis C cure in HIV-infected people who inject drugs and men who have sex with men treated with direct-acting antivirals in France: Health perceptions and experiences from qualitative and quantitative findings (ANRS CO13 HEPAVIH). J Viral Hepat 2020; 27:1462-1472. [PMID: 32810905 PMCID: PMC7935320 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
There remains a substantial gap in our understandings of the life experiences of patients following HCV cure among HIV-HCV-co-infected people who inject drugs (PWID) and men who have sex with men (MSM), two key populations targeted for HCV elimination. We described the experiences and perspectives of HIV-positive PWID and MSM, HCV-cured following treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAA). We used an exploratory sequential mixed approach using both qualitative data (semi-structured interviews with 27 PWID and 20 MSM) and quantitative data (self-administered questionnaires with 89 PWID) via the prospective ANRS CO13 HEPAVIH cohort. PWID reported improvements in physical health-related quality of life (HRQL) and self-reported symptoms following treatment, but no significant change in mental HRQL. During interviews, several MSM, more recently diagnosed with HCV, expressed less concern regarding HCV than HIV infection and interpreted improvements in their overall well-being after HCV cure to be more related to a closer connection with healthcare providers than with viral elimination. By contrast, PWID, particularly those previously exposed to interferon-based treatments, described major improvements in their physical HRQL. Both MSM and PWID reported improvements in cognitive or psychological wellbeing, and a majority of them reported some degree of concern over potential HCV reinfection. To conclude, though health benefits of HCV cure concern both groups, HIV-infected PWID and MSM may have different representations and experiences following DAA treatment, related to their history with HCV. They are thus likely to benefit from holistic, post-treatment follow-up care that is responsive to their evolving health and social contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Mora
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, Marseille, France,ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la Santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Marseille, France
| | - Trevor Goodyear
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada,School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Fabienne Marcellin
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, Marseille, France,ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la Santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Marseille, France
| | - Jeannie Shoveller
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Vincent Di Beo
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, Marseille, France,ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la Santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Marseille, France
| | - Chiara Calzolaio
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, Marseille, France,Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales (EHESS), Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire Sur Les Enjeux Sociaux (Iris), Paris, France
| | - Philippe Sogni
- Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France,INSERM U1223, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France,Service d’Hépatologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Linda Wittkop
- University of Bordeaux, ISPED, Inserm, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Team MORPH3EUS, UMR 1219, CIC-EC 1401, Bordeaux, France,CHU de Bordeaux, Pole de santé Publique, Bordeaux, France
| | - David Zucman
- Service de Médecine Interne, Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France
| | - Isabelle Poizot-Martin
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, Marseille, France,Aix Marseille Univ, APHM Sainte- Marguerite, Service d’Immuno-Hématologie Clinique, Marseille, France
| | - Karine Lacombe
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Service Maladies infectieuses et tropicales, Paris, France,UMPC (Université Pierre et Marie Curie), UMR S1136, Institut Pierre Louis d’Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Paris, France
| | - Dominique Salmon-Céron
- Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France,Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Cochin, Service Maladies infectieuses et tropicales, Paris, France
| | - Rod Knight
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Patrizia Carrieri
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, Marseille, France,ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la Santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Marseille, France
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Abstract
Hepatitis C virus is a global public health threat, affecting 71 million people worldwide. Increasing recognition of the impact of this epidemic and recent advances in biomedical and technical approaches to hepatitis C prevention and cure have provided impetus for the World Health Organization (WHO) to call for global elimination of hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030. This work reviews the feasibility of hepatitis C elimination and pathways to overcome existing and potential future barriers to elimination. Drawing on cost-effectiveness modeling and providing examples of successful implementation efforts across the globe, we highlight the resources and strategies needed to achieve hepatitis C elimination. A timely, multipronged response is required if the 2030 WHO elimination targets are to be achieved. Importantly, achieving hepatitis C elimination will also benefit the community well beyond 2030.
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Rahman M, Janjua NZ, Shafiq TKI, Chowdhury EI, Sarker MS, Khan SI, Reza M, Faruque MO, Kabir A, Anis AH, Azim T. Hepatitis C virus treatment in people who inject drugs (PWID) in Bangladesh. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 74:69-75. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
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Surey J, Menezes D, Francis M, Gibbons J, Sultan B, Miah A, Abubakar I, Story A. From peer-based to peer-led: redefining the role of peers across the hepatitis C care pathway: HepCare Europe. J Antimicrob Chemother 2019; 74:v17-v23. [PMID: 31782500 PMCID: PMC6883389 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkz452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HCV infection disproportionately affects underserved populations such as homeless individuals, people who inject drugs and prison populations. Peer advocacy can enable active engagement with healthcare services and increase the likelihood of favourable treatment outcomes. OBJECTIVES This observational study aims to assess the burden of disease in these underserved populations and describe the role of peer support in linking these individuals to specialist treatment services. METHODS Services were identified if they had a high proportion of individuals with risk factors for HCV, such as injecting drug use or homelessness. Individuals were screened for HCV using point-of-care tests and a portable FibroScan. All positive cases received peer support for linkage to specialist care. Information was gathered on risk factors, demographics and follow-up information regarding linkage to care and treatment outcomes. RESULTS A total of 461 individuals were screened, of which 197 (42.7%) were chronically infected with HCV. Referral was made to secondary care for 176 (89.3%) and all received peer support, with 104 (52.8%) individuals engaged with treatment centres. Of these, 89 (85.6%) started treatment and 76 (85.4%) had a favourable outcome. Factors associated with not being approved for treatment were recent homelessness, younger age and current crack cocaine injecting. CONCLUSIONS Highly trained peer support workers working as part of a specialist outreach clinical team help to identify a high proportion of individuals exposed to HCV, achieve high rates of engagement with treatment services and maintain high rates of treatment success amongst a population with complex needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Surey
- Institute of Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- Find and Treat, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Dee Menezes
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK
| | - Marie Francis
- Institute of Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- Find and Treat, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - John Gibbons
- Find and Treat, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
- Groundswell, London, UK
| | - Binta Sultan
- Institute of Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Ibrahim Abubakar
- Institute of Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alistair Story
- Find and Treat, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
- Collaborative Centre for Inclusion Health, UCL, London, UK
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Rahman M, Janjua NZ, Shafiq TKI, Chowdhury EI, Sarker MS, Khan SI, Reza M, Faruque MO, Kabir A, Anis AH, Azim T. Hepatitis C virus treatment in people who inject drugs (PWID) in Bangladesh. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 74:69-75. [PMID: 31542689 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the considerable social marginalization experienced by people who inject drugs (PWID), treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in this population presents unique challenges. This study assessed the feasibility of treating HCV infection with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications among PWID receiving harm reduction services from a Drop-in-Center in Dhaka, Bangladesh. METHODS In this prospective study conducted between December 2016 and May 2018, 200 PWID with either recent injecting drug use (i.e., within the previous two months) or a history of injecting drug use and are currently receiving opioid substitution therapy were recruited. Blood was collected to conduct relevant laboratory tests. Eligible PWID who tested positive for HCV RNA (n = 55), were provided daily daclatasvir (60 mg) and sofosbuvir (400 mg) for 12 weeks after which adherence level, sustained virologic response (SVR), and reinfection were assessed. RESULTS At baseline, 40% (n = 79) of the 200 participants recruited to the study tested positive for antibodies to HCV and 34% (n = 68) had detectable HCV RNA in their blood. Of 55 eligible PWID who initiated treatment, 93% (n = 51) completed treatment while 87% (n = 48) were available for follow-up SVR assessment, all of whom achieved SVR. Thus, intent-to-treat SVR was 87% and the modified intent-to-treat SVR was 100% with one reinfection (4•2 cases per 100 person-years). Further, 75% (i.e., 41 out of the 55 participants) were at least 90% adherent to therapy. CONCLUSION Our findings strongly suggest that HCV treatment using sofosbuvir+daclatasvir for PWID enrolled in existing harm reduction programs in Bangladesh is feasible but may require additional interventions such as Opioid Substitution Therapy, intense follow up by outreach workers, and services and counselling provided by full time clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh.
| | - Naveed Zafar Janjua
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada; School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada; CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Tanveer Khan Ibne Shafiq
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Ezazul Islam Chowdhury
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Md Safiullah Sarker
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Sharful Islam Khan
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Masud Reza
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | | | | | - Aslam H Anis
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada; CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Tasnim Azim
- James P. Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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12
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A gathering storm: HIV infection and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in low and middle-income countries. AIDS 2019; 33:1105-1115. [PMID: 31045941 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
: Despite the decreasing total incidence of liver-related deaths, liver disease remains one of the major non-AIDS causes of morbidity and mortality amongst people living with HIV, and a significant proportion of liver disease in these individuals can be attributed to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD in HIV infection is a growing problem in view of increasing life expectancy associated with the use of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), wider uptake of ART and increasing rates of obesity in many Asian as well as western countries. The problem may be more pronounced in developing countries where there are limited resources available for mass screening and diagnosis of NAFLD. There is a small but growing body of literature examining NAFLD in the setting of HIV, with data from low and middle-income countries (LMICs) particularly lacking. Here, we review the cohort data on NAFLD in HIV, and discuss the risk factors, pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis, NAFLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), diagnostic approaches and therapeutic options available for NAFLD in the setting of HIV, and the specific challenges of NAFLD in HIV for LMICs.
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13
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Stagg HR, Surey J, Francis M, MacLellan J, Foster GR, Charlett A, Abubakar I. Improving engagement with healthcare in hepatitis C: a randomised controlled trial of a peer support intervention. BMC Med 2019; 17:71. [PMID: 30929642 PMCID: PMC6442435 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-019-1300-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peer support can enable patient engagement with healthcare services, particularly for marginalised populations. In this randomised controlled trial, the efficacy of a peer support intervention at promoting successful engagement with clinical services for chronic hepatitis C was assessed. METHODS In London, UK, potential participants were approached through outreach services for problematic drug use and homelessness. Individuals positive for hepatitis C virus (HCV) after confirmatory testing were randomised using an online service to the intervention (peer support) or standard of care. The primary outcome of interest was successful engagement with clinical hepatitis services. The study was non-blinded. Absolute differences were calculated using a generalised linear model and the results compared to logistic regression. RESULTS Three hundred sixty-four individuals consented to participate. One hundred one had chronic hepatitis C and were randomised, 63 to receive the intervention (peer support). A successful outcome was achieved by 23 individuals in this arm (36.5%) and seven (18.4%) receiving the standard of care, giving an absolute increase of 18.1% (95% confidence interval 1.0-35.2%, p value = 0.04). This was mirrored in the logistic regression (odds ratio 2.55 (0.97-6.70), p = 0.06). No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS Peer support can improve the engagement of patients with chronic HCV with healthcare services. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN24707359 . Registered 19th October 2012.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen R Stagg
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, 4th floor, Mortimer Market Centre, off Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JB, UK. .,Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, The University of Edinburgh, MacKenzie House, 30 West Richmond Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9DX, UK.
| | - Julian Surey
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, 4th floor, Mortimer Market Centre, off Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JB, UK
| | - Marie Francis
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, 4th floor, Mortimer Market Centre, off Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JB, UK
| | - Jennifer MacLellan
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, 4th floor, Mortimer Market Centre, off Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JB, UK
| | - Graham R Foster
- Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | - André Charlett
- Statistics, Modelling and Economics Department, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Ibrahim Abubakar
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, 4th floor, Mortimer Market Centre, off Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JB, UK.
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14
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Perlman DC, Jordan AE. The Syndemic of Opioid Misuse, Overdose, HCV, and HIV: Structural-Level Causes and Interventions. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2018; 15:96-112. [PMID: 29460225 PMCID: PMC5884743 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-018-0390-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article reviews the case for recognizing (1) the epidemics of opioid misuse, overdose, hepatitis C virus, and HIV as a syndemic and (2) the importance of examining and addressing structural factors in responses to this syndemic. We focus on the current syndemic in the US, but also consider data from other locations to highlight the issues existing and arising in various contexts. RECENT FINDINGS Advances in multi-level theory and statistical methods allow sound ecologic and multi-level analyses of the impact of structural factors on the syndemic. Studies of opioid misuse, overdoses, hepatitis C virus, and HIV demonstrate that area-level access to healthcare, medication-assisted treatment of opioid use disorders, sterile injection equipment, and overdose prevention with naloxone, as well as factors such as opioid marketing, income inequality, intensity of policing activities, and health care policies, are related to the prevalence of substance misuse, overdoses, infection risk, and morbidity. Structural variables can predict area-level vulnerability to the syndemic. The implementation of combined prevention and treatment interventions can control and reverse components of the syndemic. Recognizing and monitoring potent structural factors can facilitate the identification of areas at risk of vulnerability to the syndemic. Further, many structural factors are modifiable through intervention and policy to reduce structural vulnerability and create health-enabling environments. Evidence supports the immediate implementation of broader HCV and HIV testing and substance use screening, medication-assisted treatment, needle/syringe exchange programs, naloxone programs, increased population-level implementation of HCV treatment, and further attention to structural-level factors predicting, and contributing to, area-level vulnerability, such as degrees of opioid marketing, distribution, and prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Perlman
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, 350 East 17th St, 19th Floor, New York, NY, 10003, USA.
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, New York, NY, 10003, USA.
| | - Ashly E Jordan
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, New York, NY, 10003, USA
- City University New York, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, 10016, USA
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15
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Tucker JD, Meyers K, Best J, Kaplan K, Pendse R, Fenton KA, Andrieux-Meyer I, Figueroa C, Goicochea P, Gore C, Ishizaki A, Khwairakpam G, Miller V, Mozalevskis A, Ninburg M, Ocama P, Peeling R, Walsh N, Colombo MG, Easterbrook P. The HepTestContest: a global innovation contest to identify approaches to hepatitis B and C testing. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:701. [PMID: 29143673 PMCID: PMC5688427 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2771-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Innovation contests are a novel approach to elicit good ideas and innovative practices in various areas of public health. There remains limited published literature on approaches to deliver hepatitis testing. The purpose of this innovation contest was to identify examples of different hepatitis B and C approaches to support countries in their scale-up of hepatitis testing and to supplement development of formal recommendations on service delivery in the 2017 World Health Organization hepatitis B and C testing guidelines. METHODS This contest involved four steps: 1) establishment of a multisectoral steering committee to coordinate a call for contest entries; 2) dissemination of the call for entries through diverse media (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, email listservs, academic journals); 3) independent ranking of submissions by a panel of judges according to pre-specified criteria (clarity of testing model, innovation, effectiveness, next steps) using a 1-10 scale; 4) recognition of highly ranked entries through presentation at international conferences, commendation certificate, and inclusion as a case study in the WHO 2017 testing guidelines. RESULTS The innovation contest received 64 entries from 27 countries and took a total of 4 months to complete. Sixteen entries were directly included in the WHO testing guidelines. The entries covered testing in different populations, including primary care patients (n = 5), people who inject drugs (PWID) (n = 4), pregnant women (n = 4), general populations (n = 4), high-risk groups (n = 3), relatives of people living with hepatitis B and C (n = 2), migrants (n = 2), incarcerated individuals (n = 2), workers (n = 2), and emergency department patients (n = 2). A variety of different testing delivery approaches were employed, including integrated HIV-hepatitis testing (n = 12); integrated testing with harm reduction and addiction services (n = 9); use of electronic medical records to support targeted testing (n = 8); decentralization (n = 8); and task shifting (n = 7). CONCLUSION The global innovation contest identified a range of local hepatitis testing approaches that can be used to inform the development of testing strategies in different settings and populations. Further implementation and evaluation of different testing approaches is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph D Tucker
- University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Project-China, Number 2 Lujing Road, Guangzhou, 510095, China. .,Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, 130 Mason Farm Rd, CB# 7030, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7030, USA. .,SESH Global, Number 2 Lujing Road, Guangzhou, 510095, China.
| | - Kathrine Meyers
- SESH Global, Number 2 Lujing Road, Guangzhou, 510095, China.,Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, 455 1st Avenue # 7, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - John Best
- SESH Global, Number 2 Lujing Road, Guangzhou, 510095, China.,University of Pennsylvania Neurology Department, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 1914, USA.,Asia Catalyst, 1109, 1270 Broadway, New York, NY, 1001, USA
| | - Karyn Kaplan
- Asia Catalyst, 1109, 1270 Broadway, New York, NY, 1001, USA
| | - Razia Pendse
- WHO Regional Office for South East Asia, World Health House, Indraprastha Estate, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, New Delhi, Delhi, 110002, India
| | - Kevin A Fenton
- SESH Global, Number 2 Lujing Road, Guangzhou, 510095, China.,Southwark Council, 160 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QH, UK
| | | | - Carmen Figueroa
- World Health Organization HIV Department, 20 Avenue Appia, CH-1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Pedro Goicochea
- Forum for Collaborative HIV Research and the University of California Berkeley School of Public Health, 1608 Rhode Island Avenue NW, Suite 212, Washington, DC, 20036, USA
| | - Charles Gore
- World Hepatitis Alliance, 1 Baden Place, London, SE1 1YW, UK.,Hepatitis C Trust, 27 Crosby Road, London, SE1 3YD, UK
| | | | - Giten Khwairakpam
- TREAT Asia, Exchange Tower, 388 Sukhumvit Road, Suite 2104, Klongtoey, Bangkok, 10110, Thailand
| | - Veronica Miller
- Forum for Collaborative HIV Research and the University of California Berkeley School of Public Health, 1608 Rhode Island Avenue NW, Suite 212, Washington, DC, 20036, USA
| | - Antons Mozalevskis
- WHO Regional Office for Europe, UN City, Marmorvej 51, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Ninburg
- Hepatitis Education Project, 1621 S. Jackson Street, 2t 201, Seattle, WA, 98144, USA
| | - Ponsiano Ocama
- Department of Medicine, Makere College of Health Sciences, PO Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rosanna Peeling
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Nick Walsh
- The WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific, P.O. Box 2932, 1000, Manila, Philippines
| | - Massimo G Colombo
- IRCCS Humanitas Hospital, Rozzano, Italy.,EASL International Liver Foundation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Philippa Easterbrook
- World Health Organization HIV Department, 20 Avenue Appia, CH-1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland
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16
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Socías ME, Ti L, Dong H, Shoveller J, Kerr T, Montaner J, Milloy MJ. High prevalence of willingness to use direct-acting antiviral-based regimens for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among HIV/HCV coinfected people who use drugs. HIV Med 2017; 18:647-654. [PMID: 28294492 PMCID: PMC5819997 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite the high burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related morbidity and mortality among HIV-positive people who use illicit drugs (PWUD), uptake of interferon-based treatments for HCV infection has been negligible among this group. Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies offer an opportunity to expand treatment access among this population. The aim of this study was to explore willingness to use DAA-based regimens among HIV/HCV-coinfected PWUD in Vancouver, Canada. METHODS Data were drawn from the AIDS Care Cohort to evaluate Exposure to Survival Services (ACCESS), a prospective cohort of HIV-positive PWUD. Using logistic regression analyses, we investigated factors associated with willingness to use DAA-based regimens among HIV/HCV-coinfected participants. RESULTS Of 418 HIV/HCV-coinfected PWUD surveyed between June 2014 and May 2015, 295 (71%) were willing to use DAA-based regimens. In multivariable analysis, participants enrolled in methadone maintenance therapy [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.61; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-2.51], those with a recent assessment by an HCV specialist (AOR 2.02; 95% CI 1.28-3.19) and those who perceived that HCV infection was affecting their health (AOR 2.49; 95% CI 1.41-4.37) were more likely to be willing to use DAA-based regimens. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this study found a high prevalence of willingness to use DAA-based regimens among HIV/HCV-coinfected PWUD in Vancouver. Importantly, enrolment in methadone maintenance therapy was positively associated with willingness, suggesting that integrated models of HIV, HCV and addiction care should be explored as a way to address HCV-related morbidity and mortality among HIV/HCV-coinfected PWUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Eugenia Socías
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul’s Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 1Y6
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul’s Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 1Y6
| | - Lianping Ti
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul’s Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 1Y6
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul’s Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 1Y6
| | - Huiru Dong
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul’s Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 1Y6
| | - Jean Shoveller
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul’s Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 1Y6
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z3
| | - Thomas Kerr
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul’s Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 1Y6
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul’s Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 1Y6
| | - Julio Montaner
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul’s Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 1Y6
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul’s Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 1Y6
| | - M-J Milloy
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul’s Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 1Y6
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul’s Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 1Y6
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17
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Pedrana AE, Sacks-Davis R, Doyle JS, Hellard ME. Pathways to the elimination of hepatitis C: prioritising access for all. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2017; 10:1023-1026. [DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2017.1383894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alisa E. Pedrana
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rachel Sacks-Davis
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joseph S. Doyle
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Margaret E. Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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18
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Bazzi AR, Leech AA, Biancarelli DL, Sullivan M, Drainoni ML. Experiences Using Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for Safer Conception Among HIV Serodiscordant Heterosexual Couples in the United States. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2017; 31:348-355. [PMID: 28719229 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2017.0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a promising HIV prevention strategy for HIV serodiscordant couples (HIV-infected male, uninfected female) seeking safer conception. However, most research on PrEP for safer conception has focused on couples in sub-Saharan Africa; little is known about the perspectives or experiences of heterosexual couples in the United States. We conducted qualitative interviews with six couples (six women and five of their male partners) receiving PrEP for conception services at an urban safety net hospital in the US Northeast. In-depth interview guides explored couple relationships and contextual factors and attitudes, perceptions, and decision-making processes surrounding PrEP for safer conception. Thematic analyses focused on identifying the following emergent themes. We found that couple relationships were situated within broader social and cultural contexts of immigration, family, and community that shaped their experiences with HIV and serodiscordant relationship status. Despite strong partner support within relationships, HIV stigma and disapproval of serodiscordant relationships contributed to couples' feelings of social isolation and subsequent aspirations to have "normal" families. By enabling "natural" conception through condomless sex, PrEP for safer conception provided a sense of enhanced relationship intimacy. Couples called for increasing public awareness of PrEP through positive messaging as a way to combat HIV stigma. Findings suggest that relationship dynamics and broader social contexts appear to shape HIV serodiscordant couples' fertility desires and motivations to use PrEP. However, increased public awareness of PrEP for safer conception may be needed to combat HIV stigma at the community level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela R. Bazzi
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ashley A. Leech
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health, Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Dea L. Biancarelli
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Meg Sullivan
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mari-Lynn Drainoni
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford, Massachusetts
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19
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Whiteley D, Whittaker A, Elliott L, Cunningham-Burley S. The lived experience of interferon-free treatments for hepatitis C: A thematic analysis. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2016; 38:21-28. [PMID: 27842250 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2016.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND International discourse concerning the evolution in hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy has tended to focus on improving outcomes, shortened treatment length and reduced side-effects of interferon-free regimens. How these treatments are being understood and experienced by the people receiving them has so far been overlooked. This study therefore aimed to explore the lived experience of individuals taking interferon-free HCV therapies. METHODS Data were generated through 16 semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of eight participants, recruited from a university hospital in Scotland. The interviews took place between June 2015 and March 2016, before and after a period of interferon-free HCV treatment. The data were interrogated using a thematic analysis, underpinned by social phenomenological theory. RESULTS Three overriding themes were identified. 'Expectations and realisations' characterised the influence that interferon continued to cast over interferon-free treatment, contrasting the practicalities of taking interferon-free therapy with preconceived notions. 'An honour and a pleasure' portrayed a positive experience of an undemanding therapy, yet among those with a history of drug use, was also positioned as a privilege, associated with feelings of luck and guilt. 'Treatment needs' illustrated the strategies participants used to search for treatment efficacy, and the value those with a significant history of drug use placed on support. One nonconforming case is then discussed to enhance rigour and trustworthiness. CONCLUSION This is the first qualitative exploration of the experience of interferon-free HCV treatment reported globally. The results from this study suggest a cultural lag exists between the pharmacological developments which have been witnessed, and societal understandings of them. This has implications for the way services meet the needs of, and offer therapy to, HCV positive individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Whiteley
- Regional Infectious Diseases Unit, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom; School of Health and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Sighthill Court, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, United Kingdom; Substance Misuse Directorate, NHS Lothian, Woodlands House, Astley Ainslie Hospital, 133 Grange Load, Edinburgh EH9 2HL, United Kingdom.
| | - Anne Whittaker
- School of Health and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Sighthill Court, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, United Kingdom; Substance Misuse Directorate, NHS Lothian, Woodlands House, Astley Ainslie Hospital, 133 Grange Load, Edinburgh EH9 2HL, United Kingdom
| | - Lawrie Elliott
- Department of Nursing and Community Health, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow G4 0BA, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Cunningham-Burley
- School of Molecular, Genetic and Population Health Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, United Kingdom
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20
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Coleman RL, McLean S. Commentary: the value of PrEP for people who inject drugs. J Int AIDS Soc 2016; 19:21112. [PMID: 27760686 PMCID: PMC5071747 DOI: 10.7448/ias.19.7.21112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The offer of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is recommended as an additional option for HIV prevention for people at substantial risk of HIV infection as part of combination HIV prevention approaches. Implementing this depends on integrating PrEP in public health programmes that address risky practices with evidence-based interventions, and that operate in an enabling legal and policy environment for the delivery of health services to those at higher risk of HIV infection. What does this recommendation mean in terms of the diverse range of HIV prevention needs of key populations, some of whom are so discriminated against that they exist essentially outside formal systems such as national public health services, and for whom a substantial risk of HIV is part of a larger adverse and hostile situation? We discuss this question with reference to people who inject drugs, informed by concerns and comments that emerged from a series of consultations. DISCUSSION HIV prevention is part of a spectrum of injecting drug users' priorities, and their access and uptake of HIV prevention services is contingent on their wider "risk environment." The need to address structural barriers to services and human rights violations, and to improve access to comprehensive harm reduction programmes are of prime importance and would have higher value than a mono-focus on HIV prevention. Where existing harm reduction activities are inadequate, fragile or dependent on external donors, shifts in funding priorities, including, for example, towards PrEP, could threaten investment in the broader programmes. For these reasons, it cannot be assumed that PrEP promotion will always be supported by people who inject drugs.The sexual partners of people who inject drugs, non-opioid users who also inject and for whom there is no established substitution treatment, as well as drug users who are unable to negotiate safe sex may value PrEP. As for all key populations, the involvement of people who inject drugs in shaping services for their consumption is vital and too often ignored. CONCLUSIONS For people who inject drugs and who experience discrimination, violence or harassment, implementation of PrEP should be guided by understanding and engaging with their interconnected range of needs, risk practices, priorities and options. The differentiated needs of sub-populations that inject a range of drugs, and their sexual partners, require further exploration.
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Global implementation of PrEP as part of combination HIV prevention - Unsolved challenges. J Int AIDS Soc 2016. [DOI: 10.7448/ias.19.7.21479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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Systematic review and meta-analysis of hepatitis C virus infection and HIV viral load: new insights into epidemiologic synergy. J Int AIDS Soc 2016; 19:20944. [PMID: 27649908 PMCID: PMC5030209 DOI: 10.7448/ias.19.1.20944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV infection frequently co-occur due to shared transmission routes. Co-infection is associated with higher HCV viral load (VL), but less is known about the effect of HCV infection on HIV VL and risk of onward transmission. METHODS We undertook a systematic review comparing 1) HIV VL among ART-naïve, HCV co-infected individuals versus HIV mono-infected individuals and 2) HIV VL among treated versus untreated HCV co-infected individuals. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis and quantified heterogeneity using the I(2) statistic. We followed Cochrane Collaboration guidelines in conducting our review and PRISMA guidelines in reporting results. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION We screened 3925 articles and identified 17 relevant publications. A meta-analysis found no evidence of increased HIV VL associated with HCV co-infection or between HIV VL and HCV treatment with pegylated interferon-alpha-2a/b and ribavirin. CONCLUSIONS This finding is in contrast to the substantial increases in HIV VL observed with several other systemic infections. It presents opportunities to elucidate the biological pathways that underpin epidemiological synergy in HIV co-infections and may enable prediction of which co-infections are most important to epidemic control.
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Grebely J, Bruggmann P, Treloar C, Byrne J, Rhodes T, Dore GJ. Strategies for achieving universal access to hepatitis C virus prevention and care for people who inject drugs. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2015; 26:1039-40. [PMID: 26254496 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2015.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia.
| | | | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jude Byrne
- International Network of People Who Use Drugs, Canberra, Australia; Australian Injecting and Illicit Drug Users League, Canberra, Australia
| | - Tim Rhodes
- Centre for Research on Drugs and Health Behaviour, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Hepatitis C virus and HIV infections among people who inject drugs in the Middle East and North Africa: a neglected public health burden? J Int AIDS Soc 2015. [PMID: 26221872 PMCID: PMC4518656 DOI: 10.7448/ias.18.1.20582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Grebely J, Bruggmann P, Treloar C, Byrne J, Rhodes T, Dore GJ. Expanding access to prevention, care and treatment for hepatitis C virus infection among people who inject drugs. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2015; 26:893-8. [PMID: 26254497 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2015.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia; Australian Injecting and Illicit Drug Users League, Canberra, Australia.
| | | | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jude Byrne
- International Network of People Who Use Drugs, Canberra, Australia
| | - Tim Rhodes
- Centre for Research on Drugs and Health Behaviour, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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