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Chirunomula S, Muscarella A, Whelchel K, Gispen F, Marcovitz D, White K, Chastain C. Hepatitis C Cascade of Care in a Multidisciplinary Substance Use Bridge Clinic Model in Tennessee. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae205. [PMID: 38770209 PMCID: PMC11103616 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Many barriers prevent individuals with substance use disorders from receiving hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment. This study describes 96 patients with active HCV treated in an opioid use disorder bridge clinic model. Of 33 patients who initiated treatment, 25 patients completed treatment, and 13 patients achieved sustained virologic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Chirunomula
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Anahit Muscarella
- Department of Pharmacy, Vanderbilt Specialty Pharmacy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kristen Whelchel
- Department of Pharmacy, Vanderbilt Specialty Pharmacy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Fiona Gispen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - David Marcovitz
- Division of Addiction Psychiatry, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Katie White
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Cody Chastain
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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MacIsaac MB, Whitton B, Anderson J, Cogger S, Vella-Horne D, Penn M, Weeks A, Elmore K, Pemberton D, Winter RJ, Papaluca T, Howell J, Hellard M, Stoové M, Wilson D, Pedrana A, Doyle JS, Clark N, Holmes JA, Thompson AJ. Point-of-care HCV RNA testing improves hepatitis C testing rates and allows rapid treatment initiation among people who inject drugs attending a medically supervised injecting facility. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 125:104317. [PMID: 38281385 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To achieve hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination targets, simplified care engaging people who inject drugs is required. We evaluated whether fingerstick HCV RNA point-of-care testing (PoCT) increased the proportion of clients attending a supervised injecting facility who were tested for hepatitis C. METHODS Prospective single-arm study with recruitment between 9 November 2020 and 28 January 2021 and follow-up to 31 July 2021. Clients attending the supervised injecting facility were offered HCV RNA testing using the Xpert® HCV Viral Load Fingerstick (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA) PoCT. Participants with a positive HCV RNA test were prescribed direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. The primary endpoint was the proportion of clients who engaged in HCV RNA PoCT, compared to a historical comparator group when venepuncture-based hepatitis C testing was standard of care. RESULTS Among 1618 clients who attended the supervised injecting facility during the study period, 228 (14%) engaged in PoCT. This was significantly higher than that observed in the historical comparator group (61/1,775, 3%; p < 0.001). Sixty-five (28%) participants were HCV RNA positive, with 40/65 (62%) receiving their result on the same day as testing. Sixty-one (94%) HCV RNA positive participants were commenced on DAA therapy; 14/61 (23%) started treatment on the same day as diagnosis. There was no difference in the proportion of HCV RNA positive participants commenced on treatment with DAA therapy when compared to the historical comparator group (61/65, 94% vs 22/26, 85%; p = 0.153). However, the median time to treatment initiation was significantly shorter in the PoCT cohort (2 days (IQR 1-20) vs 41 days (IQR 22-76), p < 0.001). Among participants who commenced treatment and had complete follow-up data available, 27/36 (75%) achieved hepatitis C cure. CONCLUSIONS HCV RNA PoCT led to a significantly higher proportion of clients attending a supervised injecting facility engaging in hepatitis C testing, whilst also reducing the time to treatment initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B MacIsaac
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bradley Whitton
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jenine Anderson
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shelley Cogger
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dylan Vella-Horne
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew Penn
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthony Weeks
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kasey Elmore
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Pemberton
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rebecca J Winter
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Timothy Papaluca
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jessica Howell
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark Stoové
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Wilson
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alisa Pedrana
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joseph S Doyle
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicolas Clark
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia; Department of Addiction Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jacinta A Holmes
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alexander J Thompson
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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Cordaro F, Qian S, Sinclair B. Investigating hepatitis C screening among people receiving opioid agonist treatment: A retrospective audit study. J Infect Prev 2024; 25:11-16. [PMID: 38362112 PMCID: PMC10866125 DOI: 10.1177/17571774231208317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Estimates of the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) amongst people who inject drugs are in the range of 50%. Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) clinics have a large proportion of people who inject drugs. These clinics, therefore, present an excellent opportunity to identify and treat patients with HCV. Despite this, it remains unclear as to how well these clinics screen patients for HCV. Aim This study aims to quantify the rate of HCV screening of patients that enrolled into treatment at an OAT clinic attached to a large teaching hospital in NSW. Methods A retrospective audit of the electronic medical record of patients commencing OAT at the clinic was performed to determine the rate of HCV screening. Findings During the audit period, there were 99 episodes of care that involved the commencement of OAT at the clinic, for patients who had a history of injecting drugs. Successful screening for HCV occurred in 56% (55/99) of these episodes. Of those screened, 26% were ribonucleic acid positive. Analysis of demographics did not reveal a statistically significant difference between those that were screened and those that were not. Discussion This study revealed a suboptimal rate of HCV screening at the OAT clinic. To improve the screening rate, the clinic could consider providing dried blood spot testing at the initial nurse assessment or having a clinician capable of venepuncture at the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Cordaro
- Drug and Alcohol Service, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Siyu Qian
- Drug and Alcohol Service, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Barbara Sinclair
- Drug and Alcohol Service, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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Bhattacharya D, Aronsohn A, Price J, Lo Re V. Hepatitis C Guidance 2023 Update: AASLD-IDSA Recommendations for Testing, Managing, and Treating Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Clin Infect Dis 2023:ciad319. [PMID: 37229695 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases have collaboratively developed evidence-based guidance regarding the diagnosis, management, and treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection since 2013. A panel of clinicians and investigators with extensive infectious diseases or hepatology expertise specific to HCV infection periodically review evidence from the field and update existing recommendations or introduce new recommendations as evidence warrants. This update focuses on changes to the guidance since the previous 2020 published update, including ongoing emphasis on recommended universal screening; management recommendations for incomplete treatment adherence; expanded eligibility for simplified chronic HCV infection treatment in adults with minimal monitoring; updated treatment and retreatment recommendations for children as young as 3 years old; management and treatment recommendations in the transplantation setting; and screening, treatment, and management recommendations for unique and key populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debika Bhattacharya
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
| | - Andrew Aronsohn
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Chicago
| | - Jennifer Price
- Division of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Vincent Lo Re
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
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Mirzazadeh A, Hosseini-Hooshyar S, Shahesmaeili A, Sharafi H, Shafiei M, Zarei J, Mousavian G, Tavakoli F, Ghalekhani N, Shokoohi M, Khezri M, Mehmandoost S, Shojaei MR, Karamouzian M, Briceno A, Morris MD, Alavian SM, Haghdoost AA, Sharifi H, Page KA. An on-site community-based model for hepatitis C screening, diagnosis, and treatment among people who inject drugs in Kerman, Iran: The Rostam study. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 102:103580. [PMID: 35074607 PMCID: PMC10478571 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) are at high risk for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and its complications in many countries, including Iran. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effect of a community-based HCV model of care on HCV testing and treatment initiation among PWID in Kerman, Iran. METHODS This study is part of the Rostam study and is a non-randomized trial evaluating the effect of on-site HCV- antibody rapid testing, venipuncture for HCV RNA testing, and treatment eligibility assessment on HCV testing and treatment initiation among PWID. Recruitment, interviews, and HCV screening, diagnosis, and treatment were all conducted at a community-based drop-in center (DIC) serving PWID clients. RESULTS A total of 171 PWID (median age of 39 years and 89.5% male) were recruited between July 2018 and May 2019. Of 62 individuals who were HCV antibody positive, 47 (75.8%) were HCV RNA positive. Of RNA-positive individuals, 36 (76.6%) returned for treatment eligibility assessment. Of all the 36 participants eligible for treatment, 34 (94.4%) initiated HCV antiviral therapy. A sustained virologic response at 12 weeks post-treatment was 76.5% (26/34) in the intention-to-treat (ITT group) analysis and 100% (23/23) in the per-protocol (PP group) analysis. CONCLUSION Our integrated on-site community-based HCV care model within a DIC setting suggested that HCV care including HCV testing and treatment uptake can be successfully delivered outside of hospitals or specialized clinics; a model which is more likely to reach PWID and can provide significant progress towards HCV elimination among this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mirzazadeh
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Samira Hosseini-Hooshyar
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Armita Shahesmaeili
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Shafiei
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Jasem Zarei
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ghazal Mousavian
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Tavakoli
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Nima Ghalekhani
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mostafa Shokoohi
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mehrdad Khezri
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Soheil Mehmandoost
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Shojaei
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Karamouzian
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Alya Briceno
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Meghan D Morris
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Ali-Akbar Haghdoost
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hamid Sharifi
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Kimberly A Page
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Preventive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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Coupland H, Day C, Haber P, Pritchard-Jones J, McKee K, George J, McCaughan G. Client resistance to hepatitis C treatment initiation in opioid agonist treatment clinics in Sydney, Australia: A qualitative study. Drug Alcohol Rev 2021; 41:706-714. [PMID: 34839561 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Opioid agonist treatment (OAT) clinics play a key role in achieving elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) globally. Previous research has identified barriers to HCV treatment uptake in OAT clinics; however, most studies were conducted prior to the introduction of direct-acting antiviral treatments (DAA). It remains unclear whether progress has been made in responding to barriers and what challenges persist in this setting. METHODS Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with staff (n = 20) and clients (n = 15) in two OAT clinics in Sydney, Australia. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using constant comparative methods. RESULTS Despite progress in integrating hepatitis C care in the clinics, competing priorities, concerns about side-effects, distrust of staff, health problems and difficulties accessing testing and medication persisted as key reasons why clients had not initiated treatment. Most clients preferred to postpone treatment and focus on other priorities and some highlighted lack of medical evidence for urgent treatment. Pressure on services to achieve elimination targets within set time frames was a primary driver of repeated offers of treatment by staff and the framing of clients' preferences for postponing treatment, as a barrier. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Current timelines for HCV elimination targets may have galvanised services into action but may have also created tensions at the coalface due to disparities between staff and clients' priorities. The involvement of peer workers and mechanisms to ensure continued follow up with clients about DAA treatments is required. Public health timelines for HCV elimination need to be informed by affected communities' priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Coupland
- Edith Collins Centre (Translational Research in Alcohol, Drugs and Toxicology), Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia.,Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia.,Specialty of Addiction Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Carolyn Day
- Edith Collins Centre (Translational Research in Alcohol, Drugs and Toxicology), Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia.,Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia.,Specialty of Addiction Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Paul Haber
- Edith Collins Centre (Translational Research in Alcohol, Drugs and Toxicology), Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia.,Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia.,Specialty of Addiction Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Janice Pritchard-Jones
- W Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kristen McKee
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Geoff McCaughan
- W Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
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Robaeys G, Bielen R. Management of Hepatitis C Viral Infection in People Who Inject Drugs. HEPATITIS C: CARE AND TREATMENT 2021:191-211. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-67762-6_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2025]
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Optimizing HIV prevention and treatment outcomes for persons with substance use in Central Asia: what will it take? Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2020; 14:374-380. [PMID: 31219889 PMCID: PMC6688715 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of review To summarize the status of HIV and substance use in Central Asia and discuss potential ways to move forward to effective epidemic control among people who inject drugs (PWID) in the region and beyond. Recent findings PWID and their partners remain the population most affected by HIV in Central Asia. Lack of effective substance use prevention and treatment options and limited involvement of PWID-led community-based organizations in HIV programs, combined with the requirement for official registration, stigma and discrimination of PWID, and criminalization of drug use remain key barriers to effective HIV prevention and treatment. Summary Sustainable HIV epidemic control among PWID will not be feasible without decriminalization of drug use, addressing stigma and discrimination and policy changes to enhance uptake of HIV-related prevention, treatment and support services by PWID. It is also critical to ensure adoption of innovations, particularly those that combine evidence-based biomedical, behavioral and structural interventions tailored to the needs of the PWID.
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Liu Y, Zou X, Chen W, Gong C, Ling L. Hepatitis C Virus Treatment Status and Barriers among Patients in Methadone Maintenance Treatment Clinics in Guangdong Province, China: A Cross-Sectional, Observational Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16224436. [PMID: 31726750 PMCID: PMC6888391 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16224436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the status and barriers related to hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment among Chinese methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) clients, and the willingness and barriers of patients to accept directly observed treatment (DOT) service and oral direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). We conducted a cross-sectional survey from July to October 2017 in Guangdong Province, China, involving 678 HCV antibody-positive MMT patients. If they reported being infected with HCV, then their HCV treatment experience, willingness to use DOT and DAAs, along with any barriers, were collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the correlates of initiating HCV treatment. Among those reporting HCV infection (54%, 366/678), 39% (144/366) initiated treatment; however, 38% (55/144) interrupted and 55% (79/135) delayed treatment for 15 months. Seventy-five percent (273/366) and 53% (195/366) were willing to use DOT and DAAs, respectively. Unaffordable medical costs and insignificant symptoms were the major barriers to HCV treatment and accepting DOT or DAAs. The lack of a stable residence, being a woman, and having ever injected drugs were all associated with a low probability of initiating treatment (p < 0.05). This study highlights a limited uptake of HCV treatment among MMT patients, and a need to strengthen the popularity of DOT and DAAs and integrate them into Chinese MMT clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Li Ling
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-020-873-3319
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10
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Rezansoff SN, Moniruzzaman A, Somers JM. Temporal associations between medication adherence for patients with schizophrenia and opioid dependence: A 17-year Canadian Cohort Study. Schizophr Res 2019; 210:157-163. [PMID: 31202570 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2019.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The current study investigated whether a previously reported beneficial effect of methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) on antiretroviral adherence is also present in relation to antipsychotic treatment for schizophrenia. Administrative data were linked over a 17-year period for 1996 people who were dually diagnosed with schizophrenia and opioid dependence and, as an indicator of further marginalization, experienced at least one episode of correctional supervision in British Columbia. Adherence was estimated using the medication possession ratio (MPR ≥ 0.80), calculated in each 120-day period beginning with the first date of concurrent use of MMT and antipsychotic medication. Generalized Estimating Equations were used to estimate the association between independent and dependent variables. The probability of antipsychotic adherence doubled in periods that were preceded by a period of MMT adherence (AOR: P: 2.07; 95% CI: 1.90-2.26). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses yielded results similar to those derived through the primary analysis, examining: conviction history; length of follow-up; initiation of MMT prior to antipsychotic induction; excluding participants who died during the study period; and restricted to participants who received methadone exclusively as part of a MMT program. Despite a strong temporal association between MMT and antipsychotic adherence, overall MPRs for both prescriptions remained <0.50 throughout the study period. Antipsychotic adherence was more than twice as likely following periods of adherence to MMT among dually-diagnosed patients. Research is needed to identify the conditions responsible for MMT adherence, and to further clarify the relationship between opioid agonist treatment and antipsychotic pharmacotherapy in this vulnerable and under-studied population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie N Rezansoff
- Somers Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby V5A 1S6, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Akm Moniruzzaman
- Somers Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby V5A 1S6, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Julian M Somers
- Somers Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby V5A 1S6, British Columbia, Canada.
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Harrison GI, Murray K, Gore R, Lee P, Sreedharan A, Richardson P, Hughes AJ, Wiselka M, Gelson W, Unitt E, Ratcliff K, Orton A, Trinder K, Simpson C, Ryder SD, Oelbaum S, Foster GR, Christian A, Smith S, Thomson BJ, Reynolds R, Harris M, Hickman M, Irving WL. The Hepatitis C Awareness Through to Treatment (HepCATT) study: improving the cascade of care for hepatitis C virus-infected people who inject drugs in England. Addiction 2019; 114:1113-1122. [PMID: 30694582 DOI: 10.1111/add.14569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Previous studies have shown low rates of diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in people who inject drugs (PWID). Our aims were to test the effect of a complex intervention [Hepatitis C Awareness Through to Treatment (HepCATT)] in drug and alcohol clinics-primarily, on engagement of HCV-positive PWID with therapy and, secondarily, on testing for HCV, referral to hepatology services and start of HCV treatment. DESIGN AND SETTING A non-randomized pilot study in three specialist addiction clinics in England comparing an intervention year (starting between September 2015 and February 2016) with a baseline year (2014), together with three control clinics. PARTICIPANTS Analysis included all attendees at the intervention and control specialist addiction clinics identified as PWID. INTERVENTION The intervention comprised the placement of a half-time facilitator in each clinic for 12 months with the brief to increase diagnosis of HCV infection within clients at those services and the engagement of diagnosed individuals with an appropriate care pathway. The facilitator undertook various activities, which could include training of key workers, direct interaction with clients, streamlining and support for hepatology appointments and introduction of dried blood-spot testing. MEASUREMENTS For each clinic and period, we obtained the total number of clients and, as relevant, their status as PWID, tested for HCV, known HCV-positive, engaged with HCV therapy or treated. FINDINGS Compared with baseline, there was strong evidence that engagement with HCV therapy in the intervention year increased (P < 0.001) more in the HepCATT centres than controls, up + 31 percentage points [95% confidence interval (CI) = 19-43] versus -12 (CI = -31 to + 6) and odds ratio (OR) = 9.99 (CI = 4.42-22.6) versus 0.35 (CI = 0.08-1.56). HepCATT centres also had greater increases in HCV testing (OR = 3.06 versus 0.78, P < 0.001), referral to hepatology (OR = 9.60 versus 0.56, P < 0.001) and treatment initiation (OR = 9.5 versus 0.74, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Introducing a half-time facilitator into drug and alcohol clinics in England increased engagement of HCV-positive people who inject drugs with hepatitis C virus care pathways, with increased uptake also of testing, referral to hepatology and initiation of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham I Harrison
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Karen Murray
- United Lincolnshire Hospitals Lincoln County Hospital, Lincoln, UK
| | - Roxanne Gore
- Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | - Paul Richardson
- Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Martin Wiselka
- University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Will Gelson
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Esther Unitt
- University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rosy Reynolds
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Magdalena Harris
- Department of Social and Environmental Health Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - William L Irving
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Socías ME, Karamouzian M, Parent S, Barletta J, Bird K, Ti L. Integrated models of care for people who inject drugs and live with hepatitis C virus: A systematic review. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 72:146-159. [PMID: 31147142 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the key role that people who inject drugs (PWID) play in the hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic, HCV treatment rates among this population have been historically low. Integrated models of HCV and substance use care have the potential to overcome some barriers to access; however, the evidence base is uncertain. This systematic review assesses the impacts of integrated HCV and substance use services on engagement in HCV care among PWID. METHODS We searched five databases up to December 2018 to identify original quantitative studies evaluating the impacts of co-location of HCV and substance use services on engagement in the HCV cascade of care among adult PWID. We conducted a narrative synthesis, categorizing models based on patient entry point (a: HCV facility, b: substance use disorder (SUD) facility, and c: other facilities), and levels of integrated services offered (a: HCV/substance use testing only, b: HCV/substance use treatment, and c: testing/treatment + other services). RESULTS A total of 46 articles corresponding to 44 original studies were included. Almost all studies (n = 42) were conducted in high-income countries and only six studies in the Direct-Acting Antiviral (DAA) era. Twenty-six studies discussed the integration of services at SUD facilities, one at HCV facilities, and seventeen at other facilities. Analysis of included studies indicated that overall integrated care resulted in improved engagement in HCV care (e.g., testing, treatment uptake and cure). However, the quality of evidence was predominantly low to moderate. CONCLUSIONS Available evidence suggests that integration of HCV and substance use services may improve engagement along the continuum of HCV care among PWID. Given limitations in data quality, and very few studies conducted in the DAA era and in low- and middle-income settings, further research is urgently needed to inform strategies to optimize HCV care access and outcomes among PWID globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Eugenia Socías
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
| | - Mohammad Karamouzian
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada; HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, 7616911320, Iran
| | - Stephanie Parent
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - José Barletta
- Infectious Diseases Division, Hospital Juan A. Fernández, Cerviño 3356, Buenos Aires, C1425AGP, Argentina
| | - Kathleen Bird
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Lianping Ti
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
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Akiyama MJ, Norton BL, Arnsten JH, Agyemang L, Heo M, Litwin AH. Intensive Models of Hepatitis C Care for People Who Inject Drugs Receiving Opioid Agonist Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Ann Intern Med 2019; 170:594-603. [PMID: 30959528 PMCID: PMC6868527 DOI: 10.7326/m18-1715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many people who inject drugs (PWID) are denied treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, even if they are receiving opioid agonist therapy (OAT). Research suggests that HCV in PWID may be treated effectively, but optimal models of care for promoting adherence and sustained virologic response (SVR) have not been evaluated in the direct-acting antiviral (DAA) era. OBJECTIVE To determine whether directly observed therapy (DOT) and group treatment (GT) are more effective than self-administered individual treatment (SIT) in promoting adherence and achieving SVR among PWID receiving OAT. DESIGN Three-group, randomized controlled trial conducted from October 2013 to April 2017. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01857245). SETTING Three OAT programs in Bronx, New York. PARTICIPANTS Persons aged 18 years and older with genotype 1 HCV infection who were willing to receive HCV therapy on site in the OAT program. Of 190 persons screened, 158 were randomly assigned to a study group and 150 initiated treatment: DOT (n = 51), GT (n = 48), and SIT (n = 51). INTERVENTION 2 intensive interventions (DOT and GT) and 1 control condition (SIT). MEASUREMENTS Primary: adherence, measured by using electronic blister packs. Secondary: HCV treatment completion and SVR 12 weeks after treatment completion. RESULTS Mean age was 51 years; 65% of participants had positive results on urine drug testing during the 6 months before treatment, and 75% reported ever injecting drugs. Overall adherence, estimated from mixed-effects models using the daily timeframe, was 78% (95% CI, 75% to 81%) and was greater among participants randomly assigned to DOT (86% [CI, 80% to 92%]) than those assigned to SIT (75% [CI, 70% to 81%]; difference, 11% [CI, 5% to 18%]; Bonferroni-corrected P = 0.001). No significant difference in adherence was observed between participants randomly assigned to GT (80% [CI, 74% to 86%]) and those assigned to SIT (difference, 4.7% [CI, -2% to 11%]; Bonferroni-corrected P = 0.29). The HCV treatment completion rate was 97%, with no differences among groups (P = 0.53). Overall SVR was 94% (CI, 89% to 97%); the SVR rate was 98% in the DOT group, 94% in the GT group, and 90% in the SIT group (P = 0.152). LIMITATION These findings may not be generalizable to PWID not enrolled in OAT programs. CONCLUSION All models of onsite HCV care delivered to PWID in OAT programs resulted in high SVR, despite ongoing drug use. Directly observed therapy was associated with greater adherence than SIT. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE National Institute on Drug Abuse and Gilead Sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Akiyama
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York (M.J.A., B.L.N., J.H.A., L.A.)
| | - Brianna L Norton
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York (M.J.A., B.L.N., J.H.A., L.A.)
| | - Julia H Arnsten
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York (M.J.A., B.L.N., J.H.A., L.A.)
| | - Linda Agyemang
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York (M.J.A., B.L.N., J.H.A., L.A.)
| | | | - Alain H Litwin
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville and Greenville Health System, Greenville, South Carolina, and Clemson University School of Health Research, Clemson, South Carolina (A.H.L.)
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HIV Serostatus and Having Access to a Physician for Regular Hepatitis C Virus Care Among People Who Inject Drugs. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2019; 78:93-98. [PMID: 29630030 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWIDs) and who are living with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are vulnerable to a range of health-related harms, including liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and death. There is limited evidence describing how HIV serostatus shapes access to a physician for regular HCV care among PWID. SETTING Data were collected through the Vancouver Injection Drug Users Study (VIDUS), the AIDS Care Cohort to evaluate Exposure to Survival Services (ACCESS), and the At-Risk Youth Study (ARYS), 3 prospective cohorts involving people who use illicit drugs in Vancouver, Canada, between 2005 and 2015. METHODS Using generalized estimating equations, we examined the relationship between HIV-seropositivity and having access to a physician for regular HCV care. We conducted a mediation analysis to examine whether this association was mediated by increased frequency of engagement in health care. RESULTS In total, 1627 HCV-positive PWID were eligible for analysis; 582 (35.8%) were HIV-positive at baseline; and 31 (1.9%) became HIV-positive during follow-up. In multivariable analyses, after adjusting for a range of confounders, HIV serostatus [adjusted odds ratio = 1.99; 95% confidence interval: 1.77 to 2.24] was significantly associated with having access to HCV care. Approximately 26% of the effect was due to mediation. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate a positive relationship between HIV-seropositivity and having access to a physician for regular HCV care, which is partially explained through increased frequency of engagement in health care. These findings highlight the need to address patterns of inequality in access to HCV care among PWID.
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Hepatitis C continuum of care and utilization of healthcare and harm reduction services among persons who inject drugs in Seattle. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 195:114-120. [PMID: 30611979 PMCID: PMC6440747 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To describe the "continuum of care" for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and related health service utilization among persons who inject drugs (PWID) in the Seattle metropolitan area. METHODS The study analyzed data from the 2015 National HIV Behavioral Surveillance system focused on PWID, which included local questions on HCV treatment and testing. We calculated respondent driven sampling (RDS)-adjusted percentages of participants who had completed each step of the care continuum and compared healthcare harm reduction services among participants who were HCV + vs. HCV- using bivariate analyses. RESULTS 513 PWID were screened for HCV antibodies (Ab). Of those, 59.7% were HCV Ab+. Among those HCV Ab+, 86.4% had been tested for HCV at least once; 69.9% reported a previous diagnosis. Of those diagnosed, 55.9% had received a confirmatory test, 17.2% had ever received any medications for HCV, and 7.2% had completed treatment. The majority of HCV Ab + participants had seen a health care provider in the past 12 months (85.6%). CONCLUSIONS There is a large gap between HCV screening and treatment among Seattle area PWID.
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16
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Norton BL, Akiyama MJ, Zamor PJ, Litwin AH. Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C in Patients Receiving Opioid Agonist Therapy: A Review of Best Practice. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2018; 32:347-370. [PMID: 29778260 PMCID: PMC6022838 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Injection drug use is the most common transmission route for hepatitis C. High rates of infection are observed among individuals on opioid agonist therapy. Although people who inject drugs carry the highest burden, few have initiated treatment. We present a comprehensive review of the evidence on the efficacy of HCV medications, drug-drug interactions, and barriers to and models of care. Studies have demonstrated comparable efficacy for individuals who are on opioid agonist therapy compared with those who are not. We propose that a strategy of treatment and cure-as-prevention is imperative in this population to curb the hepatitis C epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna L Norton
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, 3300 Kossuth Avenue, Bronx, NY 10467, USA.
| | - Matthew J Akiyama
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, 3300 Kossuth Avenue, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
| | - Philippe J Zamor
- Division of Hepatology, Carolinas Healthcare Systems, 1025 Morehead Medical Drive, Suite 600, Charlotte, NC 28204, USA
| | - Alain H Litwin
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, 3300 Kossuth Avenue, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
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17
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Bajis S, Dore GJ, Hajarizadeh B, Cunningham EB, Maher L, Grebely J. Interventions to enhance testing, linkage to care and treatment uptake for hepatitis C virus infection among people who inject drugs: A systematic review. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2017; 47:34-46. [PMID: 28797498 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 06/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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18
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Ní Cheallaigh C, O'Leary A, Keating S, Singleton A, Heffernan S, Keenan E, Robson L, Sears J, Moloney J, Arora S, Bergin C, Norris S. Telementoring with project ECHO: a pilot study in Europe. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 3:144-151. [PMID: 29445515 PMCID: PMC5754872 DOI: 10.1136/bmjinnov-2016-000141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The Extension of Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) project is a novel educational intervention designed in New Mexico to transfer subspecialty knowledge about hepatitis C virus (HCV) to primary care providers, thereby increasing patient access to HCV care. The ECHO model has been shown to deliver educational benefits and to result in good treatment outcomes for HCV-infected individuals in the USA; however, this approach has not been assessed in a European setting. We sought to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and implementation of the ECHO model in Ireland using a pilot study. We present a descriptive review of recruitment, participation, retention and cost of the intervention as well as a qualitative review of the views of participants on the barriers, benefits and acceptability of the ECHO model. In the original Project ECHO in New Mexico, geographical distance posed the greatest barrier to accessing HCV care. In Ireland, people who inject drugs (PWID) were identified by interviewees as the main group facing barriers to accessing specialist HCV care. State-employed doctors and nurses caring for large numbers of HCV-infected PWID in opiate substitution treatment centres and homeless hostels were successfully recruited to participate in the project. Self-employed general practitioners did not participate, due mainly to a lack of time and the absence of reimbursement for participation. Practitioners who participated in the pilot reported benefits to themselves and their patients and would like to continue to participate in similar multidisciplinary, multisite educational interventions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clíona Ní Cheallaigh
- Department of Genito-urinary Medicine and Infectious, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Hepatology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aisling O'Leary
- National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics, Dublin, Ireland.,Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Shay Keating
- Department of Genito-urinary Medicine and Infectious, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,National Drug Treatment Centre, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | | | - Lisa Robson
- South-East Drug Treatment Programme, Waterford, Ireland
| | | | - John Moloney
- Dun Laoghaire Drug Treatment Centre, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sanjeev Arora
- University of New Mexico, ECHO Institute, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Colm Bergin
- Department of Genito-urinary Medicine and Infectious, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Hepatology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Suzanne Norris
- Department of Genito-urinary Medicine and Infectious, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Hepatology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
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Radley A, Melville K, Tait J, Stephens B, Evans JMM, Dillon JF. A quasi-experimental evaluation of dried blood spot testing through community pharmacies in the Tayside region of Scotland. Frontline Gastroenterol 2017; 8:221-228. [PMID: 28839912 PMCID: PMC5558284 DOI: 10.1136/flgastro-2016-100776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Revised: 12/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Comparison of uptake of dried blood spot testing (DBST) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection between community pharmacies and established services. DESIGN Quantitative evaluation of a service development with qualitative process evaluation undertaken in parallel. SETTING Six pharmacies from 36 community pharmacies within Dundee City, a large urban settlement with high levels of socioeconomic deprivation. PARTICIPANTS Patients in receipt of opioid substitution therapy (OST) not tested for HCV within 12 months. The 6 pharmacies provided OST for approximately 363 patients from a cohort of 1385 patients within Dundee City. INTERVENTION Provision of DBST by pharmacists. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Receipt of DBST between January and December 2014. RESULTS 43 of 143 service users with no record of testing from the 6 community pharmacies accepted DBST. Of 561 from the remaining 1022 service users with no record of testing, 75 were tested for HCV (30% vs 13%). The OR for increased uptake of testing within the 6 pharmacies was 2.25 (95% CI 1.48 to 3.41, Z statistic=3.81, p=<0.0001) compared with other services. The DBST taken by the pharmacies provided 12 patients with a reactive test. The process evaluation identified key themes important to staff and recipients of the service. A logic model was constructed. LIMITATIONS Non-experimental service evaluation performed in community pharmacies records service activity in one location across a single time period. INTERPRETATION Some evidence that DBST from community pharmacies may be feasible. Service users received the service positively. Staff reported that DBST was straightforward and achievable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Radley
- NHS Tayside, Directorate of Public Health, Kings Cross Hospital, Dundee, UK
| | - Karen Melville
- NHS Tayside, Tayside Substance Misuse Services, Dundee, UK
| | - Jan Tait
- NHS Tayside, Gastroenterology Department, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Brian Stephens
- NHS Tayside, Gastroenterology Department, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Josie M M Evans
- Division of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - John F Dillon
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicines and Diabetes, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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Bonnington O, Harris M. Tensions in relation: How peer support is experienced and received in a hepatitis C treatment intervention. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2017; 47:221-229. [PMID: 28606391 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peer support and involvement is recognised as a vital component of hepatitis C (HCV) treatment provision for marginalised populations, such as people who inject drugs (PWID). Developments in HCV treatments enable increased provision in community settings - expanding the possibilities for meaningful peer involvement in HCV treatment plans. To date, HCV peer support has generally been viewed as a positive intervention, with little critical reflection on the ways social structures, policies, health and drug services and social identity impact on how peer support is experienced and received. METHODS We report on the qualitative component of a UK-based intervention designed to increase HCV diagnosis and treatment in primary care and drug treatment settings. Data were collected between 2014 and 2016. Pre-intervention, a total of 35 PWID clients took part in nine in-depth interviews and four focus groups. In addition, 22 drug services and intervention providers took part in two focus groups and nine interviews. Post-intervention, one focus group and eight interviews were conducted with 13 PWID clients, and four focus groups and ten interviews were conducted with 26 drug services and intervention providers. Our data generation and thematic analysis focused on the peer education and buddy support component of the intervention. RESULTS Participants had common expectations of the peer role (to 'just be there') and its occupants' attributes (empathy, trustworthy, etc.). However, in practice, peers faced constraints on realising these expectations. A 'recovery' dominated drug treatment ethos in the UK appeared to influence the selection of 'recovery champions' as peers for the intervention. This created tensions in relations with clients, particularly when risk-adverse discourses were internalised by the peers. Peers were poorly integrated and supported within the service, affecting opportunities to relate and build trust with clients. Thus, the scope for peer support to impact on the nature and extent of clients' testing and treatment for HCV was limited. CONCLUSION The efficacy of peer involvement can be constrained by organisational structures and boundaries - especially regarding who is deemed to be 'a peer'. Peer programmes take time and care to implement and weave into wider recovery and harm reduction frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Bonnington
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom.
| | - Magdalena Harris
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom
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Gonzalez SA, Fierer DS, Talal AH. Medical and Behavioral Approaches to Engage People Who Inject Drugs Into Care for Hepatitis C Virus Infection. ADDICTIVE DISORDERS & THEIR TREATMENT 2017; 16:S1-S23. [PMID: 28701904 PMCID: PMC5491232 DOI: 10.1097/adt.0000000000000104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C virus infection may revolutionize treatment among persons with substance use disorders. Despite persons with substance use disorders having the highest hepatitis C virus prevalence and incidence, the vast majority have not engaged into care for the infection. Previously, interferon-based treatments, with substantial side effects and the propensity to exacerbate mental health conditions, were major disincentives to pursuit of care for the infection. Direct-acting antivirals with viral eradication rates of >90%, significantly improved side effect profiles, and shorter treatment duration are dramatic improvements over prior treatment regimens that should promote widespread hepatitis C virus care among persons with substance use disorders. The major unmet need is strategies to promote persons with substance use disorders engagement into care for hepatitis C virus. Although physical integration of treatment for substance use and co-occurring conditions has been widely advocated, it has been difficult to achieve. Telemedicine offers an opportunity for virtual integration of behavioral and medical treatments that could be supplemented by conventional interventions such as hepatitis C virus education, case management, and peer navigation. Furthermore, harm reduction and strategies to reduce viral transmission are important to cease reinfection among persons with substance use disorders. Widespread prescription of therapy for hepatitis C virus infection to substance users will be required to achieve the ultimate goal of global virus elimination. Combinations of medical and behavioral interventions should be used to promote persons with substance use disorders engagement into and adherence with direct-acting antiviral-based treatment approaches. Ultimately, either physical or virtual colocation of hepatitis C virus and substance use treatment has the potential to improve adherence and consequently treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stevan A. Gonzalez
- Division of Hepatology, Baylor Simmons Transplant Institute, Fort Worth, TX
| | | | - Andrew H. Talal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Jacobs School of Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
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Butner JL, Gupta N, Fabian C, Henry S, Shi JM, Tetrault JM. Onsite treatment of HCV infection with direct acting antivirals within an opioid treatment program. J Subst Abuse Treat 2017; 75:49-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2016.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Revised: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Examination of the Hepatitis C Virus care continuum among individuals with an opioid use disorder in substance use treatment. J Subst Abuse Treat 2017; 76:77-80. [PMID: 28162850 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2017.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) risk is elevated for individuals with an opioid use disorder (OUD). Routine HCV testing is recommended for high-risk individuals, including those with an injection drug use history. HCV antibody testing addresses the first step in the HCV treatment care cascade, with uptake and completion of HCV treatment among individuals with chronic HCV as the optimal care cascade endpoint. The aim of this study was to characterize self-reported HCV treatment cascade outcomes among individuals with an OUD in outpatient medication assisted treatment (MAT). METHODS Individuals receiving methadone or buprenorphine treatment (N=202, 67.8% female, M age=35.0, SD=8.4) completed a brief, anonymous paper-and-pencil survey examining self-reported history of HCV testing, diagnosis, and treatment. Descriptive statistics characterized HCV treatment cascade outcomes. RESULTS A majority (79.3%) endorsed a lifetime HCV testing history; 34.9% were tested for HCV during the past year. Of those with a lifetime HCV testing history, 42.7% indicated they have been told they have HCV (n=67/157), with 21% (n=14/67) of those individuals reporting that they have been told they have chronic HCV, and 71.4% (n=10/14) of those with chronic HCV reporting receipt of HCV treatment. DISCUSSION Results underscore gaps in the HCV care continuum among individuals with OUD in MAT. Interventions to increase uptake of HCV testing, communication of HCV diagnostic and treatment information by medical providers, linkage to HCV medical care, and uptake and adherence to HCV treatment are urgently needed, particularly among individuals with an OUD in MAT.
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Hajarizadeh B, Grebely J, Martinello M, Matthews GV, Lloyd AR, Dore GJ. Hepatitis C treatment as prevention: evidence, feasibility, and challenges. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2016; 1:317-327. [DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(16)30075-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Tran BX, Nguyen LH, Nong VM, Nguyen CT, Phan HTT, Latkin CA. Behavioral and quality-of-life outcomes in different service models for methadone maintenance treatment in Vietnam. Harm Reduct J 2016; 13:4. [PMID: 26837193 PMCID: PMC4736621 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-016-0091-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Integrating HIV/AIDS and methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) services with existing health care delivery system is critical in sustaining efforts to fight HIV/AIDS in large injection-driven epidemics. However, efficiency of different integrative service models is unknown. This study assessed behavioral and health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) outcomes of MMT in four service delivery models and explored factors associated with these outcomes of interest. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted in two HIV epicenters in Vietnam: Hanoi and Nam Dinh Province. All patients in five selected MMT clinics were invited to participate, and 1016 were interviewed (80-90% response rate). RESULTS Respondents had a mean age of 35.8, taken MMT for average 16.5 months and 3.3% on MMT for 36-60 months. The MMT integrated with rural district health center (DHC) has the highest prevalence of concurrent drug use (11.3%). The percentage of condom use (last sexual intercourse) with primary and casual partners was lowest in the MMT at urban DHCs. Patients at the rural DHC reported very high proportions of pain/discomfort (37.8%), anxiety/depression (43.1%), and mobility (13.3%). In regression models, poorer HRQOL outcomes were found in MMT models in the rural areas or without general health care, and among those patients who were HIV positive, reported concurrent drug use, and had higher numbers of previous drug rehabilitation episodes. Mobility and anxiety/depression are factors that increased the likelihood of concurrent drug use among MMT patients. CONCLUSIONS Outcomes of MMT were diverse across different integrative service models. Policies on rapid expansion of the MMT program in Vietnam should also emphasize on the integration with comprehensive health care services including psychological supports for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bach Xuan Tran
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam. .,Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Long Hoang Nguyen
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam.,School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Vuong Minh Nong
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Cuong Tat Nguyen
- Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | | | - Carl A Latkin
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Grebely J, Alavi M, Micallef M, Dunlop AJ, Balcomb AC, Phung N, Weltman MD, Day CA, Treloar C, Bath N, Haber PS, Dore GJ. Treatment for hepatitis C virus infection among people who inject drugs attending opioid substitution treatment and community health clinics: the ETHOS Study. Addiction 2016; 111:311-9. [PMID: 26451534 DOI: 10.1111/add.13197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2015] [Revised: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To estimate adherence and response to therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among people with a history of injecting drug use. A secondary aim was to identify predictors of HCV treatment response. DESIGN Prospective cohort recruited between 2009 and 2012. Participants were treated with peg-interferon alfa-2a/ribavirin for 24 (genotypes 2/3, G2/3) or 48 weeks (genotype 1, G1). SETTING Six opioid substitution treatment (OST) clinics, two community health centres and one Aboriginal community-controlled health organization providing drug treatment services in New South Wales, Australia. PARTICIPANTS Among 415 people with a history of injecting drug use and chronic HCV assessed by a nurse, 101 were assessed for treatment outcomes (21% female). MEASUREMENTS Study outcomes were treatment adherence and sustained virological response (SVR, undetectable HCV RNA >24 weeks post-treatment). FINDINGS Among 101 treated, 37% (n = 37) had recently injected drugs (past 6 months) and 62% (n = 63) were receiving OST. Adherence ≥ 80% was 86% (n = 87). SVR was 74% (75 of 101), with no difference observed by sex (males: 76%, females: 67%, P = 0.662). In adjusted analysis, age < 35 (versus ≥ 45 years) [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 5.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.47, 17.40] and on-treatment adherence ≥ 80% independently predicted SVR (aOR = 19.41, 95% CI = 3.61, 104.26]. Recent injecting drug use at baseline was not associated with SVR. CONCLUSIONS People with a history of injecting drug use and chronic hepatitis C virus attending opioid substitution treatment and community health clinics can achieve adherence and responses to interferon-based therapy similar to other populations, despite injecting drugs at baseline. Younger age and adherence are predictive of improved response to hepatitis C virus therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Maryam Alavi
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Adrian J Dunlop
- University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Anne C Balcomb
- Clinic 96, Kite St Community Health Centre, Orange, NSW, Australia
| | - Nghi Phung
- Drug Health Services, Western Sydney Local Health District, NSW, Australia
| | - Martin D Weltman
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nepean Hospital, Kingswood, NSW, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Carolyn A Day
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Drug Health Service, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Paul S Haber
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Defining populations and injecting parameters among people who inject drugs: Implications for the assessment of hepatitis C treatment programs. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2015; 26:950-7. [PMID: 26297564 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2015.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Revised: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Milne R, Price M, Wallace B, Drost A, Haigh-Gidora I, Nezil FA, Fraser C. From principles to practice: Description of a novel equity-based HCV primary care treatment model for PWID. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2015; 26:1020-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2015.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2015] [Revised: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Kwong J, Epstein R. Expanding capacity for hepatitis C treatment in the United States: team-based care and use of nonphysician providers. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care 2015; 14:112-5. [PMID: 25787687 DOI: 10.1177/2325957414560065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C treatment is rapidly evolving with significant improvements in patient outcomes. With an estimated prevalence of over 3 million persons living with chronic hepatitis C in the United States, it is anticipated that there will be an increase in the number of persons seeking care and treatment for chronic hepatitis C infection. Current systems of care may be overburdened with people seeking care for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). Interprofessional models of care have been shown to be feasible and effective in treating different populations affected by chronic HCV. Use of interprofessional teams, integrated models of care, and greater use of nonphysician providers offer a potential solution for expanding capacity to comprehensive HCV treatment and care in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Kwong
- Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, NY, USA
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Keats J, Micallef M, Grebely J, Hazelwood S, Everingham H, Shrestha N, Jones T, Bath N, Treloar C, Dore GJ, Dunlop A. Assessment and delivery of treatment for hepatitis C virus infection in an opioid substitution treatment clinic with integrated peer-based support in Newcastle, Australia. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2015; 26:999-1006. [PMID: 26275578 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2015.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among people who inject drugs (PWID), the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is high; however HCV treatment uptake remains low. New models of care are needed to address the growing burden of HCV-related disease in PWID and to understand the barriers to assessment and treatment of HCV. This study evaluated assessment and treatment for HCV infection among PWID attending an opioid substitution treatment (OST) clinic with an integrated peer support worker model. METHODS Clients with a history of IDU and chronic HCV infection, attending the Newcastle Pharmacotherapy Service, Newcastle Australia, were recruited as part of a multisite prospective observational study (the ETHOS Cohort). Additional chart review was conducted for clients not enrolled in the ETHOS Cohort. A peer support worker was introduced to complement and extend services offered by the clinical team. Client contacts and assessments with a nurse and/or peer worker were evaluated, including those who commenced HCV treatment. RESULTS A total of 1447 clients attended the OST service during February 2009 and June 2014. Of these, 378 (26%) were assessed by a nurse and 242 (17%) by a clinician. HCV treatment was commenced by 20 (5%) participants and 15 (75%) achieved a sustained virological response (SVR). During May 2009 and July 2011, 332 nurse contacts and 726 peer worker contacts were evaluated. The nurse-led contacts were related to HCV treatment (50%) and review of pathology tests (34%), whereas peer worker contacts included discussion about HCV treatment (75%), education, counselling and/or support (53%) and general discussion about HCV infection (59%). CONCLUSION These data demonstrate that peer support workers facilitate broader discussion about HCV treatment, education and/or support, allowing nurses to focus on HCV-related assessment and treatment. HCV treatment uptake was very low in this cohort, but SVR was high. The integration of peer support workers in treatment programs within OST clinics may address barriers to HCV care, but further studies are needed to assess their impact on assessment and treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Keats
- Newcastle Pharmacotherapy Service, Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Susan Hazelwood
- Newcastle Pharmacotherapy Service, Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Hope Everingham
- Newcastle Pharmacotherapy Service, Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; NSW Users and AIDS Association, Inc., Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nikrant Shrestha
- Newcastle Pharmacotherapy Service, Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; NSW Users and AIDS Association, Inc., Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tracey Jones
- Department of Gastroenterology, John Hunter Hospital, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicky Bath
- NSW Users and AIDS Association, Inc., Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Adrian Dunlop
- Newcastle Pharmacotherapy Service, Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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Bennett H, McEwan P, Sugrue D, Kalsekar A, Yuan Y. Assessing the Long-Term Impact of Treating Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)-Infected People Who Inject Drugs in the UK and the Relationship between Treatment Uptake and Efficacy on Future Infections. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0125846. [PMID: 25938458 PMCID: PMC4418568 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0125846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The prevalence of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains high amongst people who inject drugs (PWID) and accounts for the majority of newly acquired infections. This study aims to quantify the value of treatment amongst PWID with more efficacious treatments and at increased uptake rates, with respect to the avoidance of future infections and subsequent long-term complications of HCV. Methods A dynamic HCV transmission and disease progression model was developed, incorporating acute and chronic infection and their long-term complications (decompensated cirrhosis, cancer, liver transplant and mortality), with the potential for HCV transmission to other PWID prior to successful treatment. The model was populated with prevalence and therapy data from a UK setting. Scenarios of current standard of care (SoC) treatment efficacy and uptake were compared to anticipated sustained virologic response (SVR) rates of 90–100% and increased uptake over varied horizons. Results SoC led to modest reductions in prevalence; >5% after 200 years. New treatments achieving 90% SVR could reduce prevalence below 5% within 60 years at current uptake rates or within 5 years if all patients are treated. Amongst 4,240 PWID, chronic HCV infections avoided as a result of increasing treatment uptake over the period 2015–2027 ranged from 20–580 and 34–912 with SoC and 90% SVR rates respectively. The reduction in downstream HCV infections due to increasing treatment uptake resulted in an approximate discounted gain of 300 life-years (from avoiding reduced life expectancy from HCV infection) and a gain of 1,700 QALYs (from avoiding the disutility of HCV infection and related complications), with a projected £5.4 million cost saving. Conclusion While improved SVR profiles led to reductions in modelled prevalence, increased treatment uptake was the key driver of future infections avoided. Increased treatment among PWID with new more efficacious therapies could significantly change the future dynamics, cost and health burden of HCV-related disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley Bennett
- Health Economics & Outcomes Research Ltd., Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Phil McEwan
- Health Economics & Outcomes Research Ltd., Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
- Swansea Centre for Health Economics, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Sugrue
- Health Economics & Outcomes Research Ltd., Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Anupama Kalsekar
- BMS Global Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Yong Yuan
- BMS Global Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
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Larney S, Grebely J, Falster M, Swart A, Amin J, Degenhardt L, Burns L, Vajdic CM. Opioid substitution therapy is associated with increased detection of hepatitis C virus infection: a 15-year observational cohort study. Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 148:213-6. [PMID: 25578251 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Revised: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strategies are needed to enhance screening of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among people who inject drugs to improve engagement in HCV treatment, and stem the growing burden of HCV-related morbidity and mortality. METHODS We linked routinely collected data on enrolment in opioid substitution therapy (OST) and HCV notifications. We calculated rates of incident HCV notifications, and compared rates in and out of OST. RESULTS Following adjustment for sex, age and calendar period, rates of incident HCV notification were significantly higher during periods of OST, compared to periods out of OST (adjusted incident rate ratio: 1.91; 95% confidence interval: 1.86, 1.97). This effect was seen across multiple treatment periods. CONCLUSIONS HCV screening in OST settings increases detection of HCV infection among people who inject drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Larney
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Sydney 2052, Australia; Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence 02903, USA.
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Michael Falster
- Centre for Health Research, University of Western Sydney, Sydney 2560, Australia; Adult Cancer Program, Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW Australia, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Alexander Swart
- Adult Cancer Program, Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW Australia, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Janaki Amin
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Sydney 2052, Australia; School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne 3052, Australia; School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, USA
| | - Lucinda Burns
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Claire M Vajdic
- Adult Cancer Program, Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW Australia, Sydney 2052, Australia
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Treloar C, Rance J, Bath N, Everingham H, Micallef M, Day C, Hazelwood S, Grebely J, Dore GJ. Evaluation of two community-controlled peer support services for assessment and treatment of hepatitis C virus infection in opioid substitution treatment clinics: The ETHOS study, Australia. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2015; 26:992-8. [PMID: 25697089 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2015.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Revised: 09/12/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM Peer support services have been shown to be beneficial in increasing uptake and adherence to treatment in other areas but few examples of these services exist in hepatitis C (HCV) care. This study examined the performance of two community-controlled peer support services operating within a larger study aimed at increasing access to HCV care and treatment for opiate substitution treatment (OST) clients, ETHOS. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted in two clinics with three groups of participants: clients (n=31), staff (n=8) and peer workers (n=3) and examined the operation of the service in relation to process, outputs and impacts. RESULTS There was a very strong positive response to the peer worker services reported by staff and clients who had and had not interacted with a peer worker. A number of changes were reported that were not explicit goals of the service including providing access to additional services for clients and staff, peer workers acting as mediators between clients and staff and a less tangible notion of a changing "feel" of the clinic to a more positive and client-friendly social and physical space. Explicit goals of the service were also reported in peer workers supporting clients to consider and prepare for treatment (via blood tests and other assessments) as well as provide information and support about treatment. CONCLUSIONS The peer support service was acceptable to clients and clinic staff. All groups of participants noted that the service met its goals of engaging clients, building trusting relationships and providing instrumental support for clients to access HCV treatment. Peer workers may also contribute to more effective deployment of health resources by preparing clients for clinical engagement with HCV health workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jake Rance
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicky Bath
- NSW Users and AIDS Association, Inc., Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Hope Everingham
- NSW Users and AIDS Association, Inc., Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Carolyn Day
- Drug Health Service, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Discipline of Addiction Medicine, Central Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sue Hazelwood
- Newcastle Pharmacotherapy Service, Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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Arain A, Robaeys G. Eligibility of persons who inject drugs for treatment of hepatitis C virus infection. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:12722-12733. [PMID: 25278674 PMCID: PMC4177459 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i36.12722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In this decade, an increase is expected in end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma, most commonly caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Although people who inject drugs (PWID) are the major source for HCV infection, they were excluded from antiviral treatments until recently. Nowadays there is incontrovertible evidence in favor of treating these patients, and substitution therapy and active substance use are no longer contraindications for antiviral treatment. The viral clearance in PWID after HCV antiviral treatment with interferon or pegylated interferon combined with ribavirin is comparable to the viral clearance in non-substance users. Furthermore, multidisciplinary approaches to delivering treatment to PWID are advised, and their treatment should be considered on an individualized basis. To prevent the spread of HCV in the PWID community, recent active PWID are eligible for treatment in combination with needle exchange programs and substitution therapy. As the rate of HCV reinfection is low after HCV antiviral treatment, there is no need to withhold HCV treatment due to concerns about reinfection alone. Despite the advances in treatment efficacies and data supporting their success, HCV assessment of PWID and initiation of antiviral treatment remains low. However, the proportion of PWID assessed and treated for HCV is increasing, which can be further enhanced by understanding the barriers to and facilitators of HCV care. Removing stigmatization and implementing peer support and group treatment strategies, in conjunction with greater involvement by nurse educators/practitioners, will promote greater treatment seeking and adherence by PWID. Moreover, screening can be facilitated by noninvasive methods for detecting HCV antibodies and assessing liver fibrosis stages. Recently, HCV clearance has become a major endpoint in the war against drugs for the Global Commission on Drug Policy. This review highlights the most recent evidence concerning HCV infection and treatment strategies in PWID.
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Treloar C, Rance J, Dore GJ, Grebely J. Barriers and facilitators for assessment and treatment of hepatitis C virus infection in the opioid substitution treatment setting: insights from the ETHOS study. J Viral Hepat 2014; 21:560-7. [PMID: 24299222 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2013] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Provision of hepatitis C virus (HCV) assessment and treatment via opioid substitution treatment (OST) clinics has been posed as an effective means of engaging populations with high HCV prevalence. This study explores OST client and health professional reports concerning barriers and facilitators affecting the delivery and uptake of HCV care and treatment within OST settings. In-depth interviews were conducted with 57 clients, 16 staff from four NSW clinics participating in the Australian ETHOS study and three peer workers. Client participants included those who had not had HCV assessment; those who had HCV assessment only; and those who were awaiting or undertaking HCV treatment. A clear difference in decisions about HCV treatment emerged between participant groups. For those who have not been assessed, barriers to engaging with HCV care included the perception that they were physically well, were not experiencing HCV symptoms, had other life priorities and were concerned about the side effects and tolerability of treatment. Those who had engaged with care expressed motivations stemming from seeing friends becoming unwell, wanting to live longer and hearing positive stories of treatment. For those interested in HCV treatment, issues related to both provider and setting were important, such as presence of an engaged clinician, an accessible treatment pathway and availability of support. In this integrated care model, some barriers to HCV care and treatment (particularly those relating to health provider and the system) are minimized. In this setting, HCV treatment remained an unattractive option for a significant number of clients. Providing ways for those without HCV symptoms to be assessed for liver damage may be important to open up alternative conversations about HCV care. Further, the importance of a changing discourse of treatment is apparent from these data and could be enhanced by peer communication that provides information about successful treatment experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Treloar
- National Centre in HIV Social Research, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Pinchoff J, Drobnik A, Bornschlegel K, Braunstein S, Chan C, Varma JK, Fuld J. Deaths Among People With Hepatitis C in New York City, 2000-2011. Clin Infect Dis 2014; 58:1047-54. [DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciu075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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37
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Alavi M, Grebely J, Micallef M, Dunlop AJ, Balcomb AC, Day CA, Treloar C, Bath N, Haber PS, Dore GJ. Assessment and treatment of hepatitis C virus infection among people who inject drugs in the opioid substitution setting: ETHOS study. Clin Infect Dis 2014; 57 Suppl 2:S62-9. [PMID: 23884068 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cit305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment remains extremely limited among people who inject drugs (PWID). HCV assessment and treatment was evaluated through an innovative model for the provision of HCV care among PWID with chronic HCV infection. METHODS Enhancing Treatment for Hepatitis C in Opioid Substitution Settings (ETHOS) was a prospective observational cohort. Recruitment was through 5 opioid substitution treatment (OST) clinics, 2 community health centers, and 1 Aboriginal community controlled health organization in New South Wales, Australia. RESULTS Among 387 enrolled participants, mean age was 41 years, 71% were male, and 15% were of Aboriginal ethnicity. Specialist assessment was undertaken in 191 (49%) participants, and 84 (22%) commenced interferon-based treatment. In adjusted analysis, HCV specialist assessment was associated with non-Aboriginal ethnicity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 4.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.05-7.90), no recent benzodiazepine use (AOR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.31-3.24), and non-1 HCV genotype (AOR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.32-3.43). In adjusted analysis, HCV treatment was associated with non-Aboriginal ethnicity (AOR, 4.59; 95% CI, 1.49-14.12), living with the support of family and/or friends (AOR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.25-3.71), never receiving OST (AOR, 4.40; 95% CI, 2.27-8.54), no recent methamphetamine use (AOR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.12-4.57), and non-1 HCV genotype (AOR, 3.07; 95% CI, 1.67-5.64). CONCLUSIONS HCV treatment uptake was relatively high among this highly marginalized population of PWID. Potentially modifiable factors associated with treatment include drug use and social support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Alavi
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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Bruggmann P, Litwin AH. Models of care for the management of hepatitis C virus among people who inject drugs: one size does not fit all. Clin Infect Dis 2014; 57 Suppl 2:S56-61. [PMID: 23884067 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cit271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the major obstacles to hepatitis C virus (HCV) care in people who inject drugs (PWID) is the lack of treatment settings that are suitably adapted for the needs of this vulnerable population. Nevertheless, HCV treatment has been delivered successfully to PWID through various multidisciplinary models such as community-based clinics, substance abuse treatment clinics, and specialized hospital-based clinics. Models may be integrated in primary care--all under one roof in either addiction care units or general practitioner-based models--or can occur in secondary or tertiary care settings. Additional innovative models include directly observed therapy and peer-based models. A high level of acceptance of the individual life circumstances of PWID rather than rigid exclusion criteria will determine the level of success of any model of HCV management. The impact of highly potent and well-tolerated interferon-free HCV treatment regimens will remain negligible as long as access to therapy cannot be expanded to the most affected risk groups.
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Grebely J, Dore GJ. Can hepatitis C virus infection be eradicated in people who inject drugs? Antiviral Res 2014; 104:62-72. [PMID: 24468275 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2014.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2013] [Revised: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
People who inject drugs (PWID) represent the core of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic in many countries and HCV-related disease burden continues to rise. There are compelling data demonstrating that with the appropriate programs, treatment for HCV infection among PWID is successful, with responses to therapy similar those observed in large randomized controlled trials in non-PWID. However, assessment and treatment for HCV infection lags far behind the numbers who could benefit from therapy, related to systems-, provider- and patient-related barriers to care. The approaching era of interferon-free directly acting antiviral therapy has the potential to provide one of the great advances in clinical medicine. Simple, tolerable and highly effective therapy will likely address many of these barriers, thereby enhancing the numbers of PWID cured of HCV infection. This commentary will consider why we should strive for the eradication of HCV infection among PWID, whether eradication of HCV infection among PWID is feasible, components that would be needed to achieve eradication of HCV infection in PWID, potential settings and strategies required to establish programs targeted towards eradicating HCV infection among PWID and the feasibility of eradication versus elimination of HCV infection among PWID. This article forms part of a symposium in Antiviral Research on "Hepatitis C: next steps toward global eradication."
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia.
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Client and staff experiences of a co-located service for hepatitis C care in opioid substitution treatment settings in New South Wales, Australia. Drug Alcohol Depend 2013; 133:529-34. [PMID: 23932843 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Revised: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Internationally, there are ongoing efforts to increase access to hepatitis C (HCV) assessment and treatment to counter a generally low uptake of treatment among people with a history of injecting drug use. The aim of this qualitative study was to examine client and staff attitudes towards and experience of co-location of HCV and opioid substitution treatment (OST) services. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted with 57 clients and 19 staff from four NSW clinics participating in the Australian ETHOS study. RESULTS Client and staff participants typically welcomed integrated treatment, citing issues of convenience, reduced travel time and costs, persistent cues to engagement and immediacy of access to care. Positive attitudes towards the initiative were expressed even by clients who had not engaged with HCV care. Providing co-located care largely avoided the negative, stigmatising or discriminatory experiences that participants reported encountering in settings less familiar with people who use drugs. A minority of client participants expressed concerns about the lack of privacy and/or confidentiality available in the co-located model, preferring to seek HCV care elsewhere. CONCLUSIONS The co-location of HCV care in OST clinics was welcomed by the large majority of participants in this study. Besides issues of convenience, the appeal of the co-located service centred on the familiarity of existing relationships between clients and staff in the OST setting. While some clients remained distrustful of OST and chose not to take up HCV care in this setting, the co-located treatment model was overwhelmingly successful amongst both client and staff participants.
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Hepatitis C treatment for multimorbid patients with substance use disorder in a primary care-based integrated treatment centre: a retrospective analysis. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013; 25:1300-7. [PMID: 23571610 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0b013e32836140bb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/BACKGROUND The population of people who use drugs (PWUD) has the highest prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in Europe. PWUD are multimorbid patients who are difficult to integrate into existing healthcare systems. In our study, we evaluated the feasibility of providing HCV treatment within opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) programmes offering integrated primary care-based health services under one roof. METHODS We evaluated 66 charts of patients in four outpatient clinics (OMT) with HCV treatment (between 2002 and 2010). Fourteen of the patients were treated with heroin and nine patients had an HIV coinfection. Data on the socioeconomic characteristics and quality of life were assessed. We counted the number of consultations in the clinic to assess how much supportive care the patients needed. RESULTS Overall, 62% of all patients (41 out of 66) achieved a sustained virological response (SVR). A total of 84% of patients with genotype 3 achieved an SVR. Sixty-four percent of patients treated with heroin achieved an SVR. The majority of patients (71%) used illicit drugs during HCV treatment and over 80% were diagnosed with psychiatric comorbidities. Comparisons of patient characteristics according to SVR or non-SVR showed that a longer duration of OMT, more consultations per week during HCV treatment and poor self-reported physical condition were associated with non-SVR. CONCLUSION We conclude that offering HCV treatment in an integrated primary care-based setting with OMT and individualized use of different supporting strategies allows for treatment success rates in the population of PWUD that is comparable to the ones in the population of patients without drug use. Heroin maintenance treatment programmes offer a feasible and safe setting for providing HCV treatment.
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Martin NK, Vickerman P, Grebely J, Hellard M, Hutchinson SJ, Lima VD, Foster GR, Dillon JF, Goldberg DJ, Dore GJ, Hickman M. Hepatitis C virus treatment for prevention among people who inject drugs: Modeling treatment scale-up in the age of direct-acting antivirals. Hepatology 2013; 58:1598-609. [PMID: 23553643 PMCID: PMC3933734 DOI: 10.1002/hep.26431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 394] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Accepted: 03/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Substantial reductions in hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence among people who inject drugs (PWID) cannot be achieved by harm reduction interventions such as needle exchange and opiate substitution therapy (OST) alone. Current HCV treatment is arduous and uptake is low, but new highly effective and tolerable interferon-free direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatments could facilitate increased uptake. We projected the potential impact of DAA treatments on PWID HCV prevalence in three settings. A dynamic HCV transmission model was parameterized to three chronic HCV prevalence settings: Edinburgh, UK (25%); Melbourne, Australia (50%); and Vancouver, Canada (65%). Using realistic scenarios of future DAAs (90% sustained viral response, 12 weeks duration, available 2015), we projected the treatment rates required to reduce chronic HCV prevalence by half or three-quarters within 15 years. Current HCV treatment rates may have a minimal impact on prevalence in Melbourne and Vancouver (<2% relative reductions) but could reduce prevalence by 26% in 15 years in Edinburgh. Prevalence could halve within 15 years with treatment scale-up to 15, 40, or 76 per 1,000 PWID annually in Edinburgh, Melbourne, or Vancouver, respectively (2-, 13-, and 15-fold increases, respectively). Scale-up to 22, 54, or 98 per 1,000 PWID annually could reduce prevalence by three-quarters within 15 years. Less impact occurs with delayed scale-up, higher baseline prevalence, or shorter average injecting duration. Results are insensitive to risk heterogeneity or restricting treatment to PWID on OST. At existing HCV drug costs, halving chronic prevalence would require annual treatment budgets of US $3.2 million in Edinburgh and approximately $50 million in Melbourne and Vancouver. CONCLUSION Interferon-free DAAs could enable increased HCV treatment uptake among PWID, which could have a major preventative impact. However, treatment costs may limit scale-up, and should be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha K Martin
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; Social and Mathematical Epidemiology Group, Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Afdhal NH, Zeuzem S, Schooley RT, Thomas DL, Ward JW, Litwin AH, Razavi H, Castera L, Poynard T, Muir A, Mehta SH, Dee L, Graham C, Church DR, Talal AH, Sulkowski MS, Jacobson IMFTNPOHCVTMP. The new paradigm of hepatitis C therapy: integration of oral therapies into best practices. J Viral Hepat 2013; 20:745-60. [PMID: 24168254 PMCID: PMC3886291 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2013] [Accepted: 08/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Emerging data indicate that all-oral antiviral treatments for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) will become a reality in the near future. In replacing interferon-based therapies, all-oral regimens are expected to be more tolerable, more effective, shorter in duration and simpler to administer. Coinciding with new treatment options are novel methodologies for disease screening and staging, which create the possibility of more timely care and treatment. Assessments of histologic damage typically are performed using liver biopsy, yet noninvasive assessments of histologic damage have become the norm in some European countries and are becoming more widespread in the United States. Also in place are new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initiatives to simplify testing, improve provider and patient awareness and expand recommendations for HCV screening beyond risk-based strategies. Issued in 2012, the CDC recommendations aim to increase HCV testing among those with the greatest HCV burden in the United States by recommending one-time testing for all persons born during 1945-1965. In 2013, the United States Preventive Services Task Force adopted similar recommendations for risk-based and birth-cohort-based testing. Taken together, the developments in screening, diagnosis and treatment will likely increase demand for therapy and stimulate a shift in delivery of care related to chronic HCV, with increased involvement of primary care and infectious disease specialists. Yet even in this new era of therapy, barriers to curing patients of HCV will exist. Overcoming such barriers will require novel, integrative strategies and investment of resources at local, regional and national levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- N H Afdhal
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical SchoolBoston, MA, USA
| | - S Zeuzem
- Department of Medicine, J.W. Goethe University HospitalFrankfurt, Germany
| | - R T Schooley
- Division of Infectious Diseases, San Diego School of Medicine, University of CaliforniaLa Jolla, CA, USA
| | - D L Thomas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimore, MD, USA
| | - J W Ward
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAtlanta, GA, USA
| | - A H Litwin
- Departments of Medicine and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronx, NY, USA
| | - H Razavi
- Center for Disease AnalysisLouisville, CO, USA
| | - L Castera
- Service d'Hepatologie, Hopital Beaujon, Assistance Publique Hopitaux de ParisClichy, France
| | - T Poynard
- Service d'Hepatologie, Groupe Hospitalier Pitie-SalpetriereParis, France
| | - A Muir
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Group, Duke Clinical Research InstituteDurham, NC, USA
| | - S H Mehta
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimore, MD, USA
| | - L Dee
- Fair Pricing Coalition and AIDS Action BaltimoreBaltimore, MD, USA
| | - C Graham
- Division of Infectious Disease, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterBoston, MA, USA
| | - D R Church
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Infectious DiseaseBoston, MA, USA
| | - A H Talal
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University at BuffaloBuffalo, NY, USA
| | - M S Sulkowski
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimore, MD, USA
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Jones L, Bates G, McCoy E, Beynon C, McVeigh J, Bellis MA. Effectiveness of interventions to increase hepatitis C testing uptake among high-risk groups: a systematic review. Eur J Public Health 2013; 24:781-8. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckt156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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Mravčík V, Strada L, Štolfa J, Bencko V, Groshkova T, Reimer J, Schulte B. Factors associated with uptake, adherence, and efficacy of hepatitis C treatment in people who inject drugs: a literature review. Patient Prefer Adherence 2013; 7:1067-75. [PMID: 24204126 PMCID: PMC3804540 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s49113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND METHODS Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are highly prevalent amongst people who inject drugs (PWID). Despite well documented evidence of its effectiveness, suggested cost-effectiveness, and potential to reduce HCV prevalence rates, the uptake of antiviral HCV treatment by PWID is low. This nonsystematic literature review describes factors associated with the uptake, adherence, and efficacy of HCV treatment among PWID and discusses strategies to increase their uptake of treatment. RESULTS Low HCV treatment uptake among PWID is associated with a number of patient-related and provider-related barriers. Beliefs and fears about low efficacy and adverse effects on the patient's part are common. A substantial number of factors are associated with the chaotic lifestyle and altered social functioning of PWID, which are often associated with decompensation or relapsing into drug addiction. This may lead to perceived low adherence with treatment and low efficacy on the provider's part too, where lack of support, inadequate management of addiction, and other drug-related problems and poor treatment of side effects have been described. Practical issues such as the accessibility of treatment and finances also play a role. Strategies to improve the HCV treatment rate among PWID involve pretreatment management and assessment, a multidisciplinary approach, management of side effects, and enhanced education and counseling. CONCLUSION Specific factors are associated with poorer treatment outcomes in PWID on the side of both the patient and the treatment system. However, given that PWID can achieve treatment adherence and sustained virologic response rates comparable with those in nondrug users, drug use per se should not be considered a criterion for exclusion from treatment. Further development of measures leading to higher uptake of treatment and adherence in PWID and appropriate adaptation of HCV treatment guidelines represent important tools in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Mravčík
- National Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Addictology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: Viktor Mravčík, National Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, Office of the Government of the Czech Republic, Nábřeží E Beneše 4, 118 01 Prague 1, Czech Republic, Tel +420 296 153 354, Fax +420 296 153 264, Email
| | - Lisa Strada
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Josef Štolfa
- Department of General Practice, Institute for Postgraduate Medical Education in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of General Practice, Second Faculty of Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Bencko
- Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Teodora Groshkova
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jens Reimer
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bernd Schulte
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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Grebely J, Matthews GV, Lloyd AR, Dore GJ. Elimination of Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among People Who Inject Drugs Through Treatment as Prevention: Feasibility and Future Requirements. Clin Infect Dis 2013; 57:1014-20. [DOI: 10.1093/cid/cit377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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Harris M, Rhodes T. Hepatitis C treatment access and uptake for people who inject drugs: a review mapping the role of social factors. Harm Reduct J 2013; 10:7. [PMID: 23651646 PMCID: PMC3686576 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7517-10-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2012] [Accepted: 04/13/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence documents successful hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment outcomes for people who inject drugs (PWID) and interest in HCV treatment among this population. Maximising HCV treatment for PWID can be an effective HCV preventative measure. Yet HCV treatment among PWID remains suboptimal. This review seeks to map social factors mediating HCV treatment access. Method We undertook a review of the social science and public health literature pertaining to HCV treatment for PWID, with a focus on barriers to treatment access, uptake and completion. Medline and Scopus databases were searched, supplemented by manual and grey literature searches. A two step search was taken, with the first step pertaining to literature on HCV treatment for PWID and the second focusing on social structural factors. In total, 596 references were screened, with 165 articles and reports selected to inform the review. Results Clinical and individual level barriers to HCV treatment among PWID are well evidenced. These include patient and provider concerns regarding co-morbidities, adherence, and side effect management. Social factors affecting treatment access are less well evidenced. In attempting to map these, key barriers fall into the following domains: social stigma, housing, criminalisation, health care systems, and gender. Key facilitating factors to treatment access include: combination intervention approaches encompassing social as well as biomedical interventions, low threshold access to opiate substitution therapy, and integrated delivery of multidisciplinary care. Conclusion Combination intervention approaches need to encompass social interventions in relation to housing, stigma reduction and systemic changes in policy and health care delivery. Future research needs to better delineate social factors affecting treatment access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Harris
- Centre for Research on Drugs and Health Behaviour, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H9SH, UK.
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Frimpong JA. Missed opportunities for hepatitis C testing in opioid treatment programs. Am J Public Health 2013; 103:1028-30. [PMID: 23597374 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2012.301129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
HCV has surpassed HIV as a cause of death in the United States and is particularly prevalent among injection drug users. I examined the availability of on-site HCV testing in a nationally representative sample of opioid treatment programs. Nearly 68% of these programs had the staff required for HCV testing, but only 34% offered on-site testing. Availability of on-site testing increased only slightly with the proportion of injection drug users among clients. The limited HCV testing services in opioid treatment programs is a key challenge to reducing HCV in the US population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jemima A Frimpong
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore attitudes toward hepatitis C antiviral therapy in a real-world setting, we asked patients in opioid agonist treatment who were offered antiviral therapy about perceived barriers to initiating therapy. METHODS We recruited patients in opioid agonist treatment who had previously been offered cost-free hepatitis C antiviral therapy in a clinical trial. We collected demographic and open-ended interview data. The semistructured interview guide included questions about attitudes toward hepatitis C therapy and barriers to initiating treatment. Each interview was audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. We used the qualitative editing method to analyze the interview transcripts. RESULTS We enrolled 19 patients who had been approached to initiate hepatitis C therapy in a clinical trial. All participants were low-income men, with one third self-identifying as racial minorities. When asked about possible barriers to treatment, multiple problems emerged, including the fear of treatment side effects, difficulties with health care providers, limited access to medical care and health information, and misperceptions about antiviral therapy. CONCLUSIONS Despite intense educational efforts, concerns over antiviral therapy, relations with providers, and access to the health care system remain critical barriers. These factors should be addressed to improve antiviral therapy rates for patients receiving opioid agonist treatment.
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Ng MH, Chou JY, Chang TJ, Lee PC, Shao WC, Lin TY, Chen VCH, Gossop M. High prevalence but low awareness of hepatitis C virus infection among heroin users who received methadone maintenance therapy in Taiwan. Addict Behav 2013; 38:2089-93. [PMID: 23403277 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2013.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Revised: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigates the prevalence and correlates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among heroin dependent individuals who received methadone maintenance therapy in Taiwan. Also, we investigate users' awareness of HCV. METHODS Participants were 773 heroin users entering the methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) program at Tsaotun Psychiatric Center in Taiwan. The presence of HCV antibodies was detected. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the relationship between HCV infection and correlates. RESULTS The prevalence of HCV infection was 90.8%. All participants who were HIV-positive were also infected with HCV. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the route of heroin administration (injection), HIV-infection, and criminal records were significantly related to HCV infection. Few (34.8%) HCV positive heroin users were aware of their infection. CONCLUSION An extremely high prevalence of HCV infection but low awareness of their infection status was found among MMT patients in Taiwan. These findings highlight the importance of education regarding risky behaviors and the necessity for HCV treatment for this population in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Hing Ng
- Tsaotun Psychiatric Center Department of Health, Nan-Tou 542, Taiwan.
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