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Wurcel AG, Guardado R, Grussing ED, Koutoujian PJ, Siddiqi K, Senst T, Assoumou SA, Freund KM, Beckwith CG. Racial differences in testing for infectious diseases: An analysis of jail intake data. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288254. [PMID: 38117818 PMCID: PMC10732427 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing for all people in jail is recommended by the CDC. In the community, there are barriers to HIV and HCV testing for minoritized people. We examined the relationship between race and infectious diseases (HIV, HCV, syphilis) testing in one Massachusetts jail, Middlesex House of Corrections (MHOC). This is a retrospective analysis of people incarcerated at MHOC who opted-in to infectious diseases testing between 2016-2020. Variables of interest were race/ethnicity, self-identified history of psychiatric illness, and ever having experienced restrictive housing. Twenty-three percent (1,688/8,467) of people who were incarcerated requested testing at intake. Of those, only 38% received testing. Black non-Hispanic (25%) and Hispanic people (30%) were more likely to request testing than white people (19%). Hispanic people (16%, AOR 1.69(1.24-2.29) were more likely to receive a test result compared to their white non-Hispanic (8%, AOR 1.54(1.10-2.15)) counterparts. Black non-Hispanic and Hispanic people were more likely to opt-in to and complete infectious disease testing than white people. These findings could be related to racial disparities in access to care in the community. Additionally, just over one-third of people who requested testing received it, underscoring that there is room for improvement in ensuring testing is completed. We hope our collaborative efforts with jail professionals can encourage other cross-disciplinary investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alysse G. Wurcel
- Department of Medicine Tufts Medical Center, Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Rubeen Guardado
- Department of Medicine Tufts Medical Center, Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Emily D. Grussing
- Department of Medicine Tufts Medical Center, Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | | | - Kashif Siddiqi
- Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, Medford, MA, United States of America
| | - Thomas Senst
- Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, Medford, MA, United States of America
| | - Sabrina A. Assoumou
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Karen M. Freund
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Curt G. Beckwith
- The Miriam Hospital/Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
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2
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Essex W, Mera J, Comiford A, Winters A, Feder MA. Assessing the Feasibility, Acceptability, and Effectiveness of a Pilot Hepatitis C Screening Program at Food Distribution Sites in Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma. J Community Health 2023; 48:982-993. [PMID: 37531046 PMCID: PMC10558369 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-023-01264-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Compared with other racial and ethnic groups in the United States, American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people experience the highest incidence of acute hepatitis c (HCV). Cherokee Nation Health Services (CNHS) implemented a pilot health screening program from January through May 2019 to assess whether conducting HCV and other preventive health screenings at food distribution sites is a feasible, acceptable, and effective strategy to increase health screening among underserved community members. Data were collected among 340 eligible participants. Most (76%) participants reported being very comfortable receiving health screenings at food distribution sites and that getting screened at food distribution sites is very easy (75.4%). Most (92.1%, n = 313) participants received HCV screening, with 11 (3.5%) individuals testing positive for HCV antibodies. Of the 11 HCV seropositive individuals, six were confirmed to have active HCV infection of which four initiated treatment. Most (55.7%) participants exhibited a body mass index in the obese range, 33.1% exhibited high hemoglobin A1C (> 6.0), 24.5% exhibited high (> 200) cholesterol, 44.6% exhibited high blood pressure ( > = 140/90), and 54.8% did not have a current primary care provider. This project demonstrated that conducting HCV and other health screenings at food distribution sites within Cherokee Nation was an effective strategy to engage AI/AN people in preventive health screenings. Future programs are needed to scale-up preventive health screenings outside of traditional medical facilities as these types of screenings may help to decrease the HCV disparities among AI/AN people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney Essex
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Cherokee Nation Outpatient Health Center, Cherokee Nation Health Services, 19600 East Ross St, Tahlequah, Ok, 74464, USA.
| | - Jorge Mera
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Cherokee Nation Outpatient Health Center, Cherokee Nation Health Services, 19600 East Ross St, Tahlequah, Ok, 74464, USA
| | - Ashley Comiford
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Cherokee Nation Outpatient Health Center, Cherokee Nation Health Services, 19600 East Ross St, Tahlequah, Ok, 74464, USA
| | - Amanda Winters
- Cardea Services, 1809 7th Ave #600, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Molly A Feder
- Cardea Services, 1809 7th Ave #600, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
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Hoff E, Warden A, Taylor R, Nijhawan AE. Hepatitis C Epidemiology in a Large Urban Jail: A Changing Demographic. Public Health Rep 2023; 138:248-258. [PMID: 35238249 PMCID: PMC10031839 DOI: 10.1177/00333549221076546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Nearly 1 in 3 people with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection pass through the criminal justice system annually; the system is a crucial location for HCV screening, education, and linkage to care. We aimed to (1) determine the prevalence and incidence of HCV antibody positivity and (2) evaluate the demographic characteristics of people with HCV in a large urban jail. METHODS We offered universal opt-out HCV testing to any person undergoing a routine blood test at the Dallas County Jail from June 2015 through December 2019 (N = 14 490). We extracted data on demographic characteristics from the electronic medical record and collected data on risk factors from people with HCV antibody positivity. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS The prevalence of HCV antibody positivity was 16.7%; the incidence was 13.5 cases per 1000 person-years. HCV antibody positivity was significantly associated with older age (P < .001), female sex (P = .004), non-Hispanic White race versus non-Hispanic Black race (P < .001), and being released to prison versus not (P < .001). Among people born after 1965, those who were HCV antibody-positive were more frequently non-Hispanic White and Hispanic women, whereas among those born in 1965 or before, those who were HCV antibody-positive were more frequently non-Hispanic Black men. CONCLUSIONS The high prevalence and incidence of HCV antibody positivity in a large county jail argue for routine, universal HCV testing and prevention counseling in criminal justice settings. Changing demographic characteristics mirror those of the national injection drug use epidemic and shed insight into designing interventions for risk reduction, education, linkage to care, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Hoff
- Division of Infectious Diseases,
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center,
Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Andrea Warden
- Parkland Health and Hospital Systems,
Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ruby Taylor
- Parkland Health and Hospital Systems,
Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ank E. Nijhawan
- Division of Infectious Diseases,
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center,
Dallas, TX, USA
- Parkland Health and Hospital Systems,
Dallas, TX, USA
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Thomas E, Cheng WH, Dylla DE, Marx SE, Carabino J, Xu Q. Awareness and Epidemiology of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infections in Florida. Infect Dis Ther 2021; 11:451-462. [PMID: 34914078 PMCID: PMC8847470 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-021-00578-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Progress towards achieving hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination in Florida has been hampered by barriers to screening, linkage to care, and treatment. This study aims to describe the HCV care cascade and patient characteristics in Florida. Methods This analysis combined HCV-related laboratory data and patient characteristics from two, large US laboratory datasets that included individuals tested for HCV antibody (Ab) and HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) viral load between January 2015 and December 2019. A decline in sequential HCV RNA viral loads was used to impute HCV treatment. Machine-learning algorithms were used to identify cured patients. The actual number of individuals with HCV Ab screening, and the number and percentage of persons who were HCV RNA-positive and treated, were calculated. Results The number of persons in Florida diagnosed as HCV RNA-positive was 31,659 in 2019. The number of individuals HCV Ab screened in 2019 was 1,024,379, an increase of 82.5% from 2015. The percentage of HCV Ab-positive individuals was 4.1%, demonstrating a 16.2% decrease from 2015. The percentage of HCV RNA-positive patients who were treated was 27.0%, a 10.5% decrease from 2015 to 2019. Conclusion An Ab positivity rate > 4-times higher than national estimates with increased screening among baby boomers, but decreased screening among younger individuals, suggests risk-based screening is still common practice in Florida, despite universal screening recommendations. Public health efforts to decrease barriers to screening, linkage to care, and treatment are needed to reduce the burden of HCV in Florida and to ensure progress toward virus elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Thomas
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1550 NW 10th Ave., PAP Bldg., Rm. 314, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Wei-Han Cheng
- AbbVie Inc., 1 N. Waukegan Road, North Chicago, IL 60064 USA
| | | | - Steven E. Marx
- AbbVie Inc., 1 N. Waukegan Road, North Chicago, IL 60064 USA
| | - Jana Carabino
- AbbVie Inc., 1 N. Waukegan Road, North Chicago, IL 60064 USA
| | - Qingqing Xu
- AbbVie Inc., 1 N. Waukegan Road, North Chicago, IL 60064 USA
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Wurcel AG, Chen G, Zubiago JA, Reyes J, Nowotny KM. Heterogeneity in Jail Nursing Medical Intake Forms: A Content Analysis. JOURNAL OF CORRECTIONAL HEALTH CARE 2021; 27:265-271. [PMID: 34724807 DOI: 10.1089/jchc.20.04.0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Despite high prevalence of infectious diseases and substance use disorders in jails, there are limited guidelines for the nursing intake process in this setting. We performed a content analysis of nursing intake forms used at each of the 14 Massachusetts county jails, focusing on infectious disease and substance use disorder. Only 85% of jails offered HIV testing during nursing intake and 50% of jails offered hepatitis C testing. Preventive interventions such as vaccines or pre-exposure prophylaxis therapy were infrequently offered during nursing intake. Screening for substance use disorder was present on the majority of intake forms, but only 23% of intake forms inquired about ongoing medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. The results reflect heterogeneity in nursing intake forms, highlighting missed opportunities for public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alysse G Wurcel
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julia A Zubiago
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jessica Reyes
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Busschots D, Kremer C, Bielen R, Koc ÖM, Heyens L, Brixko C, Laukens P, Orlent H, Bilaey P, De Smet F, Hellemans G, Muyldermans G, Van Baelen L, Hens N, Van Vlierberghe H, Robaeys G. A multicentre interventional study to assess blood-borne viral infections in Belgian prisons. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:708. [PMID: 34315415 PMCID: PMC8314587 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06405-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prevalence data on viral hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and HIV infection in prison are often scarce or outdated. There is currently no systematic screening for these blood-borne viral infections (BBV) in Belgian prisons. There is an urgency to assess the prevalence of these BBV to inform policymakers and public healthcare. METHODS This was a multicentre, interventional study to assess the prevalence of BBV using opt-in screening in prisons across Belgium, April 2019 - March 2020. Prisoners were tested using a finger prick and BBV risk factors were assessed using a questionnaire. A generalized linear mixed model was used to investigate the association between the various risk factors and HCV. RESULTS In total, 886 prisoners from 11 Belgian prisons were screened. Study uptake ranged from 16.9 to 35.4% in long-term facilities. The prevalence of HCV antibodies (Ab), hepatitis B surface antigen (Ag) and HIV Ab/Ag was 5.0% (44/886), 0.8% (7/886), and 0.2% (2/886). The adjusted odds for HCV Ab were highest in prisoners who ever injected (p < 0.001; AOR 24.6 CI 95% (5.5-215.2). The prevalence of detectable HCV RNA in the total cohort was 2.1% (19/886). Thirteen (68.4%) prisoners were redirected for follow-up of their HCV infection. CONCLUSIONS Opt-in testing for viral hepatitis B, C and HIV was relatively well-accepted in prisons. Compared with the general population, prisoners have a higher prevalence of infection with BBV, especially for HCV. Systematic screening for these BBV should be recommended in all prisons, preferably using opt-out to optimize screening uptake. TRIAL REGISTRATION Retrospectively registered at clinical trials NCT04366492 April 29, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Busschots
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium. .,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium.
| | - Cécile Kremer
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and statistical Bioinformatics (I-Biostat), Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Rob Bielen
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium
| | - Özgür M Koc
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium.,School of NUTRIM, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Leen Heyens
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium.,School of NUTRIM, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Christian Brixko
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, CHR Citadelle, Liège, Belgium.,Dienst Coördinatie Medische Zorg, Federale Overheidsdienst Justitie, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Pierre Laukens
- Dienst Coördinatie Medische Zorg, Federale Overheidsdienst Justitie, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Hans Orlent
- Dienst Coördinatie Medische Zorg, Federale Overheidsdienst Justitie, Brussel, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, AZ St-Jan, Bruges, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, UZ Gent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pascal Bilaey
- Dienst Coördinatie Medische Zorg, Federale Overheidsdienst Justitie, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Francis De Smet
- Dienst Coördinatie Medische Zorg, Federale Overheidsdienst Justitie, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Geert Hellemans
- Dienst Coördinatie Medische Zorg, Federale Overheidsdienst Justitie, Brussel, Belgium
| | | | - Luk Van Baelen
- Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Niel Hens
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and statistical Bioinformatics (I-Biostat), Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Centre for Health Economic Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Geert Robaeys
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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7
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Wurcel AG, Reyes J, Zubiago J, Koutoujian PJ, Burke D, Knox TA, Concannon T, Lemon SC, Wong JB, Freund KM, Beckwith CG, LeClair AM. "I'm not gonna be able to do anything about it, then what's the point?": A broad group of stakeholders identify barriers and facilitators to HCV testing in a Massachusetts jail. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250901. [PMID: 34038430 PMCID: PMC8153419 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite national guidelines promoting hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing in prisons, there is substantial heterogeneity on the implementation of HCV testing in jails. We sought to better understand barriers and opportunities for HCV testing by interviewing a broad group of stakeholders involved in HCV testing and treatment policies and procedures in Massachusetts jails. METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews with people incarcerated in Middlesex County Jail (North Billerica, MA), clinicians working in jail and community settings, corrections administrators, and representatives from public health, government, and industry between November 2018-April 2019. RESULTS 51/120 (42%) of people agreed to be interviewed including 21 incarcerated men (mean age 32 [IQR 25, 39], 60% non-White). Themes that emerged from these interviews included gaps in knowledge about HCV testing and treatment opportunities in jail, the impact of captivity and transience, and interest in improving linkage to HCV care after release. Many stakeholders discussed stigma around HCV infection as a factor in reluctance to provide HCV testing or treatment in the jail setting. Some stakeholders expressed that stigma often led decisionmakers to estimate a lower "worth" of incarcerated individuals living with HCV and therefore to decide against paying for HCV testing.". CONCLUSION All stakeholders agreed that HCV in the jail setting is a public health issue that needs to be addressed. Exploring stakeholders' many ideas about how HCV testing and treatment can be approached is the first step in developing feasible and acceptable strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alysse G. Wurcel
- Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Jessica Reyes
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Julia Zubiago
- Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | | | - Deirdre Burke
- Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Tamsin A. Knox
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Thomas Concannon
- Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Stephenie C. Lemon
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - John B. Wong
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Karen M. Freund
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Curt G. Beckwith
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Amy M. LeClair
- Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
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Krsak M, Montague BT, Trowbridge P, Johnson SC, Binswanger IA. Opioid Use and Chronic Infections: The Value of Addressing the Syndemic in Correctional Settings Via Telemedicine Guidance and Broader Use of Long-Acting Medications. J Infect Dis 2021; 222:S486-S493. [PMID: 32877543 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the United States, we are experiencing linked epidemics (a syndemic) of substance use disorders (SUDs) and infections associated with drug use, including unsafe injecting and unsafe sex in exchange for drugs or money. Current drug laws, together with risk-taking behavior among persons with SUDs, contribute to disproportionately high prevalences of these conditions in correctional settings. Detection and treatment of diseases with a high impact on public health are best addressed in the settings where such conditions are most prevalent (ie, jails and prisons for SUDs and chronic infections). The effectiveness, safety, cost of care. and public health impact of these conditions can be improved by means of broader screening and expanded access to specialty consultations through telemedicine/telehealth, along with broader use of long-acting medications for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus and SUDs. Expanding telemedicine/telehealth, first for specialties which do not require advanced technology (eg, infectious diseases, addictions), can eventually lead to further advancements in correctional healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Krsak
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Colorado, USA
| | - Brian T Montague
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Colorado, USA
| | - Paul Trowbridge
- Spectrum Health Center for Integrative Medicine, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Steven C Johnson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Colorado, USA
| | - Ingrid A Binswanger
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Colorado Permanente Medical Group, Denver, Colorado, USA.,Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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9
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Hariri S, Sharafkhah M, Alavi M, Roshandel G, Fazel A, Amiriani T, Motamed-Gorji N, Bazazan A, Merat S, Poustchi H, Malekzadeh R. A simple risk-based strategy for hepatitis C virus screening among incarcerated people in a low- to middle-income setting. Harm Reduct J 2020; 17:56. [PMID: 32795371 PMCID: PMC7427767 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-020-00400-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is among the highest priority diseases in custodial settings; however, the diagnosis remains suboptimal among people in custody. This study aimed to validate a short survey for identifying people with HCV infection in a provincial prison in Iran. Methods Between July and December 2018, residents and newly admitted inmates of Gorgan central prison completed a questionnaire, including data on the history of HCV testing, drug use, injecting drug use, sharing injecting equipment, and imprisonment. Participants received rapid HCV antibody testing, followed by venipuncture for RNA testing (antibody-positive only). Each enrollment question (yes/no) was compared with the testing results (positive/negative). Results Overall, 1892 people completed the questionnaire, including 621 (34%) who were currently on opioid agonist therapy (OAT); 30% of participants had been tested for HCV previously. About 71% had a history of drug use, of whom 13% had ever injected drugs; 52% had ever shared injecting equipment. The prevalence of HCV antibody and RNA was 6.9% (n = 130) and 4.8% (n = 90), respectively. The antibody prevalence was higher among people on OAT compared to those with no history of OAT (11.4% vs. 4.0%). History of drug use was the most accurate predictor of having a positive HCV antibody (sensitivity: 95.2%, negative predictive value: 98.9%) and RNA testing (sensitivity: 96.7%, negative predictive value: 99.5%). The sensitivity of the drug use question was lowest among people with no OAT history and new inmates (87% and 89%, respectively). Among all participants, sensitivity and negative predictive value of the other questions were low and ranged from 34 to 54% and 94 to 97%, respectively. Conclusions In resource-limited settings, HCV screening based on having a history of drug use could replace universal screening in prisons to reduce costs. Developing tailored screening strategies together with further cost studies are crucial to address the current HCV epidemic in low- to middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanam Hariri
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Sharafkhah
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Alavi
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gholamreza Roshandel
- Golestan Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Abdolreza Fazel
- Cancer Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Taghi Amiriani
- Golestan Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Nazgol Motamed-Gorji
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Bazazan
- Department of Health, Golestan State Prisons and Security and Corrective Measures Organization, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Shahin Merat
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Poustchi
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Reza Malekzadeh
- Digestive Oncology Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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10
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Akiyama MJ. Hepatitis C in the criminal justice system: opportunities for global action in the era of viral hepatitis elimination. BMC Med 2020; 18:208. [PMID: 32792001 PMCID: PMC7427068 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-020-01680-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Akiyama
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, 3300 Kossuth Ave, Bronx, NY, 10467, USA.
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11
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Crowley D, Lambert JS, Betts-Symonds G, Cullen W, Keevans M, Kelly E, Laird E, McHugh T, McKiernan S, Miggin SJ, Murphy C, Murtagh R, O'Reilly D, Tobin C, Van Hout MC. The seroprevalence of untreated chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and associated risk factors in male Irish prisoners: a cross-sectional study, 2017. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 24. [PMID: 30968825 PMCID: PMC6462789 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2019.24.14.1800369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
IntroductionData on chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection prevalence in European prisons are incomplete and impact the public health opportunity that incarceration provides.AimsWe aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of untreated chronic HCV infection and to identify associated risk factors in an Irish male prison.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study involving a researcher-administered questionnaire, review of medical records and HCV serology.ResultsOf 422 prisoners (78.0% of the study population) who participated in the study, 298 (70.6%) completed the questionnaire and 403 (95.5%) were tested for HCV antibodies. Of those tested, 92 (22.8%) were HCV antibody-positive, and of those, 53 (57.6%) were HCV RNA-positive, 23 (25.0%) had spontaneous clearance, 16 (17.4%) had a sustained viral response, 10 (11.0%) were co-infected with HIV and six (6.0%) with HBV. The untreated chronic HCV seroprevalence estimate was 13.1% and the seroprevalence of HCV among prisoners with a history of injecting drug use (IDU) was 79.7%. Risk factors significantly associated with past HCV infection were IDU (p < 0.0001), having received a prison tattoo (p < 0.0001) or a non-sterile community tattoo (p < 0.0001), sharing needles and other drug-taking paraphernalia (p < 0.0001). Small numbers of prisoners had a history of sharing razors (n=10; 3.4%) and toothbrushes (n=3; 1.0%) while incarcerated. On multivariable analysis, history of receiving a non-sterile community tattoo was the only significant risk factor associated with HCV acquisition (after IDU was removed from the model) (p = 0.005, β = 0.468).ConclusionThe level of untreated chronic HCV infection in Irish prisons is high, with IDU the main associated risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John S Lambert
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Walter Cullen
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | | | - Tina McHugh
- Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | | | - Ross Murtagh
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Ciara Tobin
- University of Florida, Gainesville, United States
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12
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Ocal S, Muir AJ. Addressing Hepatitis C in the American Incarcerated Population: Strategies for Nationwide Elimination. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2020; 17:18-25. [PMID: 31933274 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-019-00476-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The prevalence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the US incarcerated population is disproportionately high, and when inmates with infection are released back into the general population, they play a substantial role in the spread of disease. This review provides support for targeting the jail/prison population to eliminate HCV in the general population. It will also summarize various screening/treatment models to curtail the burden of disease behind and beyond bars. RECENT FINDINGS Transitioning from risk-based testing to opt-out testing in prisons/jails would be cost-effective through greater identification of cases and treatment to prevent complications from cirrhosis. Other innovative strategies, such as the nominal pricing mechanism or the "Netflix" DAA subscription model, have the potential to be cost-effective and to increase access to treatment. Addressing HCV in the incarcerated population is a strategy to bring the US closer to successfully eradicating the epidemic. Such findings should incentivize policymakers to implement care models that target this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew J Muir
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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13
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Enkelmann J, Gassowski M, Nielsen S, Wenz B, Roß S, Marcus U, Bremer V, Zimmermann R. High prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection and low level of awareness among people who recently started injecting drugs in a cross-sectional study in Germany, 2011-2014: missed opportunities for hepatitis C testing. Harm Reduct J 2020; 17:7. [PMID: 31924208 PMCID: PMC6954578 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-019-0338-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Germany, risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is highest among people who inject drugs (PWID). New injectors (NI) are particularly vulnerable for HCV-acquisition, but little is known about health seeking behaviour and opportunities for intervention in this group. We describe characteristics, HCV prevalence, estimated HCV incidence and awareness of HCV-status among NIs and missed opportunities for hepatitis C testing. Methods People who had injected drugs in the last 12 months were recruited into a cross-sectional serobehavioural study using respondent-driven sampling in 8 German cities, 2011–2014. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, previous HCV testing and access to care were collected through questionnaire-based interviews. Capillary blood was tested for HCV. People injecting drugs < 5 years were considered NI. Results Of 2059 participants with available information on duration of injection drug use, 232 (11% were NI. Estimated HCV incidence among NI was 19.6 infections/100 person years at risk (95% CI 16–24). Thirty-six percent of NI were HCV-positive (thereof 76% with detectable RNA) and 41% of those HCV-positive were unaware of their HCV-status. Overall, 27% of NI reported never having been HCV-tested. Of NI with available information, more than 80% had attended low-threshold drug services in the last 30 days, 24% were released from prison in the last 12 months and medical care was most commonly accessed in hospitals, opioid substitution therapy (OST)-practices, practices without OST and prison hospitals. Conclusion We found high HCV-positivity and low HCV-status awareness among NI, often with missed opportunities for HCV-testing. To increase early diagnosis and facilitate treatment, HCV-testing should be offered in all facilities, where NI can be reached, especially low-threshold drug services and addiction therapy, but also prisons, hospitals and practices without OST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Enkelmann
- Postgraduate Training for Applied Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany. .,European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training, ECDC, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Martyna Gassowski
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Division for HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stine Nielsen
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Division for HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany.,Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Benjamin Wenz
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Division for HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Roß
- Institute of Virology, National Reference Centre for Hepatitis C, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Marcus
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Division for HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Viviane Bremer
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Division for HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ruth Zimmermann
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Division for HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
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14
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Abe CM, Aguwa M, Zhao M, Sullivan J, Porsa E, Nijhawan AE. Hepatitis C Virus Infection in the Dallas County Jail: Implications for Screening, Prevention, and Linkage to Care. Public Health Rep 2019; 134:626-633. [PMID: 31530093 PMCID: PMC6832085 DOI: 10.1177/0033354919874081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in jail provides an opportunity to educate and offer care to a high-risk population. We aimed to (1) estimate the prevalence of HCV infection in jail; (2) describe the demographic characteristics, risk factors, and pre-incarceration health insurance status associated with HCV infection; and (3) examine the implementation of HCV screening in jail. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of an opt-out HCV screening program with HCV RNA confirmation and patient education at the Dallas County Jail from April 1 through November 2, 2017. We extracted data on test results, demographic characteristics, and release destination from electronic medical records. A nurse navigator recorded data on patient self-reported risk factors and pre-incarceration health insurance status. RESULTS Of 4089 incarcerated persons screened, 708 (17.3%) had a positive HCV antibody result. Of these, 641 (90.5%) had an HCV RNA test ordered; 576 (89.9%) had RNA tests completed, of whom 413 (71.7%) had a positive HCV RNA result. Of these 413, 352 (85.2%) received patient education. Half of HCV RNA-positive incarcerated persons (n = 207, 50.1%) were born outside the birth cohort (1945-1965). Among those with HCV infection, commonly reported risk factors were injection drug use (168 of 352; 47.8%) and tattoos (82 of 352; 23.4%). Most incarcerated persons with HCV infection (284 of 350; 81.1%) did not have health insurance. HCV antibody prevalence was higher among incarcerated persons released to prison (232 of 961; 24.1%) than to outside agencies (38 of 403; 9.4%) or the community (178 of 1026; 17.4%). CONCLUSIONS Screening for HCV with RNA confirmation in jail provides an opportunity for disease education, transmission prevention, and navigation to HCV treatment. Future efforts should examine post-incarceration linkage to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M. Abe
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Michelle Zhao
- Parkland Health and Hospital Systems, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jacqueline Sullivan
- Office of Strategy and Integration, Parkland Health and Hospital System,
Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Esmaeil Porsa
- Office of Strategy and Integration, Parkland Health and Hospital System,
Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ank E. Nijhawan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University
of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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15
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Crowley D, Murtagh R, Cullen W, Keevans M, Laird E, McHugh T, McKiernan S, Miggin SJ, O'Connor E, O'Reilly D, Betts-Symonds G, Tobin C, Van Hout MC, Lambert JS. Evaluating peer-supported screening as a hepatitis C case-finding model in prisoners. Harm Reduct J 2019; 16:42. [PMID: 31277665 PMCID: PMC6612120 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-019-0313-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is endemic in prison populations, and HCV management in prisons is suboptimal. Incarceration is a public health opportunity to target this cohort. Community peer support increases HCV screening and treatment uptake. Prison peer workers have the potential to support the engagement of prisoners with health services and reduce stigma. This study's primary aim is to evaluate peer-supported screening as a model of active HCV case finding with a secondary aim to describe the HCV cascade among those infected including linkage to care and treatment outcomes. METHODS An observational study was conducted in a medium-security Irish male prison housing 538 inmates, using a risk-based questionnaire, medical records, peer-supported screening, laboratory-based HCV serology tests and mobile elastography. RESULTS A prison peer-supported screening initiative engaged large numbers of prisoners in HCV screening (n = 419). The mean age of participants was 32.8 years, 92% were Irish and 33% had a history of injecting drug use. Multiple risk factors for HCV acquisition were identified including needle sharing (16%). On serological testing, 87 (21%) were HCV Ab +ve and 50 (12%) were HCV RNA +ve of whom 80% were fibroscaned (25% showing evidence of liver disease). Eighty-six percent of those with active infection were linked with HCV care, with 33% undergoing or completing treatment. There was a high concordance with HCV disclosure at committal and serological testing (96% for HCV Ab +ve and 89% for HCV Ab -ve). CONCLUSION Peer-supported screening is an effective active HCV case-finding model to find and link prisoners with untreated active HCV infection to HCV care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desmond Crowley
- Irish College of General Practitioners, Lincoln Place, Dublin 2, Ireland. .,School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Ross Murtagh
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Walter Cullen
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | - Tina McHugh
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | - Eileen O'Connor
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | | | | | - John S Lambert
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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16
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Crowley D, Van Hout MC, Murphy C, Kelly E, Lambert JS, Cullen W. Hepatitis C virus screening and treatment in Irish prisons from nurse managers' perspectives - a qualitative exploration. BMC Nurs 2019; 18:23. [PMID: 31210751 PMCID: PMC6567378 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-019-0347-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prisoners carry a greater burden of physical, communicable and psychiatric disease compared to the general population. Prison health care structures are complex and provide challenges and opportunities to engage a marginalised and poorly served group with health care including Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) screening, assessment and treatment. Optimising HCV management in prisons is a public health priority. Nurses are the primary healthcare providers in most prisons globally. Understanding the barriers and facilitators to prisoners engaging in HCV care from the perspectives of nurses is the first step in implementing effective strategies to eliminate HCV from prison settings. The aim of this study was to identify the barriers and facilitators to HCV screening and treatment in Irish prisons from a nurse perspective and inform the implementation of a national prison-based HCV screening program. Methods A qualitative study using focus group methodology underpinned by grounded theory for analysis in a national group of nurse managers (n = 12). Results The following themes emerged from the analysis; security and safety requirements impacting patient access, staffing and rostering issues, prison nurses’ skill set and concerns around phlebotomy, conflict between maintaining confidentiality and concerns for personal safety, peer workers, prisoners’ lack of knowledge, fear of treatment and stigma, inter-prison variations in prisoner health needs and health service delivery and priority, linkage to care, timing of screening and stability of prison life. Conclusions Prison nurses are uniquely placed to identify barriers and facilitators to HCV screening and treatment in prisoners and inform changes to health care practice and policy that will optimise the public health opportunity that incarceration provides.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Crowley
- Irish College of General Practitioners, Lincoln Place, Dublin, Ireland
| | - M C Van Hout
- Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moore's University, Liverpool, UK
| | - C Murphy
- Irish Prison Service, Mountjoy Prison, Dublin 7, Ireland
| | - E Kelly
- Irish Prison Service, Mountjoy Prison, Dublin 7, Ireland
| | - J S Lambert
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - W Cullen
- 5School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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17
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Crowley D, Van Hout MC, Murphy C, Kelly E, Lambert JS, Cullen W. Hepatitis C virus screening and treatment in Irish prisons from a governor and prison officer perspective - a qualitative exploration. HEALTH & JUSTICE 2018; 6:23. [PMID: 30569249 PMCID: PMC6755610 DOI: 10.1186/s40352-018-0081-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prisons are a key location to access Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infected people who inject drugs (PWID). Prison health care structures are complex and optimising health care delivery to this high need, marginalised and underserved population remains challenging. Despite international guidelines recommending that prisons are a priority location for HCV screening and treatment levels of prisoner engagement in HCV care remain low. Competing priorities between security and healthcare is a key feature of prison health care. A collaborative approach to health care delivery in prisons can maximise the benefits for prisoners, staff and the wider community. AIM To identify the barriers and enablers to HCV screening and treatment in Irish prisons and inform the implementation of a HCV screening program within the Irish Prison Services (IPS). METHODS Qualitative study using focus group methodology underpinned by grounded theory. RESULTS The following themes emerged from the analysis: priority of safety and security, staffing and resources, concerns about personal risk, lack of knowledge, concerns around confidentiality, prisoners' fear of treatment and stigma, timing of screening, use of peer workers, in-reach hepatology and fibroscanning services. The primary role of prison security is to ensure the safety of staff and prisoners with a secondary but important supporting role in health care delivery. Maintaining adequate staffing levels and the provision of training and education were seen as priorities and impacted on prison officers' fear for personal safety and risk of HCV transmission. Opt-out screening and peer support workers had high levels of support among participants. CONCLUSION Upscaling HCV management in prisons requires an in-depth understanding of all barriers and facilitators to HCV screening and treatment. Engaging prison officers in the planning and delivery of health care initiatives is a key strategy to optimising the public health opportunity that prisons provides.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Crowley
- Irish College of General Practitioners, Lincoln Place, Dublin, Ireland
| | - M. C. Van Hout
- Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moore’s University, Liverpool, UK
| | - C. Murphy
- Irish Prison Service, Mountjoy Prison, Dublin 7, Ireland
| | - E. Kelly
- Irish Prison Service, Mountjoy Prison, Dublin 7, Ireland
| | - J. S. Lambert
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - W. Cullen
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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18
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Crowley D, Van Hout MC, Lambert JS, Kelly E, Murphy C, Cullen W. Barriers and facilitators to hepatitis C (HCV) screening and treatment-a description of prisoners' perspective. Harm Reduct J 2018; 15:62. [PMID: 30538000 PMCID: PMC6288965 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-018-0269-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global epidemic with an estimated 71 million people infected worldwide. People who inject drugs (PWID) are overrepresented in prison populations globally and have higher levels of HCV infection than the general population. Despite increased access to primary health care while in prison, many HCV infected prisoners do not engage with screening or treatment. With recent advances in treatment regimes, HCV in now a curable and preventable disease and prisons provide an ideal opportunity to engage this hard to reach population. AIM To identify barriers and enablers to HCV screening and treatment in prisons. METHODS A qualitative study of four prisoner focus groups (n = 46) conducted at two prison settings in Dublin, Ireland. RESULTS The following barriers to HCV screening and treatment were identified: lack of knowledge, concerns regarding confidentiality and stigma experienced and inconsistent and delayed access to prison health services. Enablers identified included; access to health care, opt-out screening at committal, peer support, and stability of prison life which removed many of the competing priorities associated with life on the outside. Unique blocks and enablers to HCV treatment reported were fear of treatment and having a liver biopsy, the requirement to go to hospital and in-reach hepatology services and fibroscanning. CONCLUSION The many barriers and enablers to HCV screening and treatment reported by Irish prisoners will inform both national and international public health HCV elimination strategies. Incarceration provides a unique opportunity to upscale HCV treatment and linkage to the community would support effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Des Crowley
- Irish College of General Practitioners Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
- School of Medicine University College, Dublin, Ireland.
- Irish Prison Service, Longford, Ireland.
| | - Marie Claire Van Hout
- Irish College of General Practitioners Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - John S Lambert
- School of Medicine University College, Dublin, Ireland
- Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Carol Murphy
- Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
- Irish Prison Service, Longford, Ireland
| | - Walter Cullen
- School of Medicine University College, Dublin, Ireland
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19
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Marotta PL, Gilbert L, Terlikbayeva A, Wu E, El-Bassel N. Differences by sex in associations between injection drug risks and drug crime conviction among people who inject drugs in Almaty, Kazakhstan. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2018; 60:96-106. [PMID: 30219718 PMCID: PMC6340710 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The criminalization of drug use leads to high rates of drug crime convictions for engaging in injection drug use behaviors, introducing barriers to HIV prevention and drug treatment for PWID. Females (FWID) face unique vulnerabilities to HIV compared to males (MWID) in Kazakhstan. This study examined sex differences in associations between HIV/HCV infection, HIV knowledge, injection drug risk behaviors, and conviction for a drug crime in a sample of people who inject drugs (PWID) in Almaty, Kazakhstan. METHODS Analyses were performed on baseline data from 510 PWID and stratified by males (MWID) (329) and females (FWID) (181) from Kazakhstan in a couples-focused HIV prevention intervention. Logistic regression analyses using mixed effects (AOR) examined associations between HIV/HCV infection, HIV knowledge, injection drug risk behaviors, drug use severity, drug treatment history and conviction for a drug crime. RESULTS About three quarters of PWID reported drug crime conviction (73.92%, n = 377). HCV infection was associated with increased odds of drug crime conviction for FWID (AOR = 4.35, CI95 = 1.83-10.31, p < .01) and MWID (AOR = 3.62, CI95 = 1.09-12.07, p < .01). HIV transmission knowledge was associated with increased odds of conviction for MWID (AOR = 1.19, CI95 = 1.00-1.41, p < .05). Injection drug risk knowledge was associated with lower odds of conviction (AOR = .75, CI95 = .59-.94, p < .05) for FWID. Receptive syringe sharing (AOR = 3.48, CI95 = 1.65-7.31, p < .01), splitting drug solutions (AOR = 4.12, CI95 = 1.86-7.31, p < .05), and injecting with more than two partners (AOR = 1.89, CI95 = 1.06-3.34, p < .05) was associated with increased odds of conviction for FWID. Receptive syringe or equipment sharing with intimate partners was associated with conviction for both MWID (AOR = 1.90, CI95 = 1.03-3.92, p < .05) and FWID (AOR = 1.95, CI95 = 1.02-3.70, p < .05). For FWID, injection drug use in public spaces was associated with conviction (AORME = 3.25, CI95 = 1.31-7.39, p < .01). Drug use severity was associated with increased odds of conviction for FWID (AOR = 1.29, CI95 = 1.09-1.53, p < .001) and MWID (AOR = 1.24, CI95 = 1.09-1.41, p < .001). Ever receiving drug treatment was associated with conviction for MWID (AOR = 2.31, CI95 = 1.32-4.12, p < .01). CONCLUSION High-risk behaviors, HCV infection and more severe substance use disorders are associated with drug crime conviction for PWID, particularly FWID. Structural interventions are necessary to increase the engagement of PWID with drug crime convictions in HIV prevention and substance abuse treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Louisa Gilbert
- Columbia University, United States; Global Research Center of Central Asia, Kazakhstan; Social Intervention Group, United States
| | | | - Elwin Wu
- Columbia University, United States; Global Research Center of Central Asia, Kazakhstan; Social Intervention Group, United States
| | - Nabila El-Bassel
- Columbia University, United States; Global Research Center of Central Asia, Kazakhstan; Social Intervention Group, United States
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20
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Popping S, El-Sayed M, Feld J, Hatzakis A, Hellard M, Lesi O, Ninburg M, Ward J, Boucher C. Report from the International Viral Hepatitis Elimination Meeting (IVHEM), 17-18 November 2017, Amsterdam, the Netherlands: gaps and challenges in the WHO 2030 hepatitis C elimination framework. J Virus Erad 2018; 4:193-195. [PMID: 30050685 PMCID: PMC6038125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The current global burden of hepatitis C (HCV) is estimated at 71 million people. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that HCV could be eliminated as a public health threat by 2030. A key recommendation to reach this elimination goal is to reduce new infections by 90% and liver-related mortality by 65%. Countries are encouraged by the WHO to develop their own national elimination programmes in order to reach these goals. However, various gaps and challenges, such as the lack of high-quality epidemiological data, stigmatisation, and optimisation of the cascade of care, have arisen in the WHO strategic framework. The International Viral Hepatitis Elimination Meeting (IVHEM) has therefore established an expert panel made of clinicians, virologists, and public health specialists to discuss and address these challenges. This review highlights the outcome and proposed solutions to attempt at facilitating HCV elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Popping
- Department of Viroscience,
Erasmus University,
Rotterdam,
the Netherlands
| | - Manal El-Sayed
- Department of Paediatrics,
Ain Shams University,
Cairo,
Egypt
| | - Jordan Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease,
University of Toronto,
Toronto,
Canada
| | - Angelos Hatzakis
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology and Medical Statistics,
Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens,
Athens,
Greece
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program,
Burnet Institute,
Melbourne,
Australia
| | - Olufunmilayo Lesi
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine,
University of Lagos,
Lagos,
Nigeria
| | | | - John Ward
- Division of Viral Hepatitis,
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
Atlanta,
GA,
USA
| | - Charles Boucher
- Department of Viroscience,
Erasmus University,
Rotterdam,
the Netherlands
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21
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Report from the International Viral Hepatitis Elimination Meeting (IVHEM), 17–18 November 2017, Amsterdam, the Netherlands: gaps and challenges in the WHO 2030 hepatitis C elimination framework. J Virus Erad 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/s2055-6640(20)30264-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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22
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Bielen R, Stumo SR, Halford R, Werling K, Reic T, Stöver H, Robaeys G, Lazarus JV. Harm reduction and viral hepatitis C in European prisons: a cross-sectional survey of 25 countries. Harm Reduct J 2018; 15:25. [PMID: 29751763 PMCID: PMC5948815 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-018-0230-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Current estimates suggest that 15% of all prisoners worldwide are chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), and this number is even higher in regions with high rates of injecting drug use. Although harm reduction services such as opioid substitution therapy (OST) and needle and syringe programs (NSPs) are effective in preventing the further spread of HCV and HIV, the extent to which these are available in prisons varies significantly across countries. Methods The Hep-CORE study surveyed liver patient groups from 25 European countries in 2016 and mid-2017 on national policies related to harm reduction, testing/screening, and treatment for HCV in prison settings. Results from the cross-sectional survey were compared to the data from available reports and the peer-reviewed literature to determine the overall degree to which European countries implement evidence-based HCV recommendations in prison settings. Results Patient groups in nine countries (36%) identified prisoners as a high-risk population target for HCV testing/screening. Twenty-one countries (84%) provide HCV treatment in prisons. However, the extent of coverage of these treatment programs varies widely. Two countries (8%) have NSPs officially available in prisons in all parts of the country. Eleven countries (44%) provide OST in prisons in all parts of the country without additional requirements. Conclusion Despite the existence of evidence-based recommendations, infectious disease prevention measures such as harm reduction programs are inadequate in European prison settings. Harm reduction, HCV testing/screening, and treatment should be scaled up in prison settings in order to progress towards eliminating HCV as a public health threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob Bielen
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium
| | - Samya R Stumo
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Carrer del Roselló, 132, 4th, ES-08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Klára Werling
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tatjana Reic
- European Liver Patients' Association (ELPA), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Heino Stöver
- Institute for Addiction Research, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Geert Robaeys
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Carrer del Roselló, 132, 4th, ES-08036, Barcelona, Spain. .,CHIP, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Kronfli N, Linthwaite B, Kouyoumdjian F, Klein MB, Lebouché B, Sebastiani G, Cox J. Interventions to increase testing, linkage to care and treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among people in prisons: A systematic review. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2018; 57:95-103. [PMID: 29715590 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the burden of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is significantly higher among people in prisons compared to the general population, testing and treatment uptake remain suboptimal. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to increase HCV testing, linkage to care and treatment uptake among people in prisons. METHODS We searched Medline (Ovid 1996-present), Embase (Ovid 1996-present), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for English language articles published between January 2007 and November 2017. Studies evaluating interventions to enhance HCV testing, linkage to care and treatment uptake for people in prison were included. Two independent reviewers evaluated articles selected for full-text review. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. RESULTS A total of 475 unique articles were identified, 29 were eligible for full text review, and six studies were included. All but one study was conducted in the pre-direct-acting antiviral (DAA) era; no studies were conducted in low- or middle-income countries. Of the six studies, all but one focused on testing. Only two were randomised controlled trials; the remaining were single arm studies. Interventions to enhance HCV testing in prison settings included combination risk-based and birth-cohort screening strategies, on-site nurse-led opt-in screening clinics with pre-test counselling and education, and systematic dried blood spot testing. All interventions increased HCV testing, but risk of study bias was high in all studies. Interventions to enhance linkage to care included facilitated referral for HCV assessment and scheduling of specialist appointments; however, risk of study bias was critical. CONCLUSIONS There is a lack of recent data on interventions to improve the HCV care cascade in people in prisons. With the introduction of short-course, well-tolerated DAAs, rigorous controlled studies evaluating interventions to improve testing, linkage and treatment uptake for people in prison are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Kronfli
- Chronic Viral Illness Services, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Blake Linthwaite
- Chronic Viral Illness Services, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Fiona Kouyoumdjian
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marina B Klein
- Chronic Viral Illness Services, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bertrand Lebouché
- Chronic Viral Illness Services, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Giada Sebastiani
- Chronic Viral Illness Services, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Joseph Cox
- Chronic Viral Illness Services, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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