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Musafiri T, Kamali I, Kayihura C, de la Paix Gakuru J, Nyirahabihirwe F, Nizeyimana E, Kandamage P, Habinshuti P, Sekagarura R, Makuza JD, Karema N, Serumondo J, Ntakirutimana T, Ndahimana JD, Barnhart DA. Prevalence of hepatitis B and C infection and linkage to care among patients with Non-Communicable Diseases in three rural Rwandan districts: a retrospective cross-sectional study. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:247. [PMID: 38388353 PMCID: PMC10885378 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08678-y] [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: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rwanda's Hepatitis C elimination campaign has relied on mass screening campaigns. An alternative "micro-elimination" strategy focused on specific populations, such as non-communicable disease (NCD) patients, could be a more efficient approach to identifying patients and linking them to care. METHODS This retrospective cross-sectional study used routine data collected during a targeted screening campaign among NCD patients in Kirehe, Kayonza, and Burera districts of Rwanda and patients receiving oncology services from the Butaro District Hospital. The campaign used rapid diagnostic tests to screen for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV). We reported prevalences and 95% confidence intervals for HBsAg and anti-HCV, assessed for associations between patients' clinical programs and hepatitis B and C, and reported cascade of care for the two diseases. RESULTS Out of 7,603 NCD patients, 3398 (45.9%) self-reported a prior hepatitis screening. Prevalence of HBsAg was 2.0% (95% CI: 1.7%-2.3%) and anti-HCV was 6.7% (95% CI: 6.2%-7.3%). The prevalence of HBsAg was significantly higher among patients < 40 years (2.4%). Increased age was significantly associated with anti-HCV (12.0% among patients ≥ 70 years). Of the 148 individuals who screened positive for HbsAg, 123 had viral load results returned, 101 had detectable viral loads (median viral load: 451 UI/mL), and 12 were linked to care. Of the 507 individuals who screened positive for anti-HCV, 468 had their viral load results returned (median viral load: 1,130,000 UI/mL), 304 had detectable viral loads, and 230 were linked to care. CONCLUSION Anti-HCV prevalence among Rwandan patients with NCD was high, likely due to their older age. NCD-HCV co-infected patients had high HCV viral loads and may be at risk of poor outcomes from hepatitis C. Hepatitis C micro-elimination campaigns among NCD patients are a feasible and acceptable strategy to enhance case detection in this high-prevalence population with elevated viral loads and may support linkage to care for hepatitis C among elderly populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tumusime Musafiri
- Partners In Health/Inshuti Mu Buzima, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda.
- Department of Public Health, Mount Kenya University, Kigali, Rwanda.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Raymond Sekagarura
- Ministry of Health, Butaro District Hospital Cancer Center of Excellence, Burera, Rwanda
| | - Jean Damascene Makuza
- Rwanda Biomedical Centre, HIV, STIs, Viral Hepatitis and OVDC Division, Kigali, Rwanda
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nadine Karema
- Partners In Health/Inshuti Mu Buzima, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda
| | - Janvier Serumondo
- Rwanda Biomedical Centre, HIV, STIs, Viral Hepatitis and OVDC Division, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Theoneste Ntakirutimana
- Department of Public Health, Mount Kenya University, Kigali, Rwanda
- School of Public Health, College of Medecine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Dale A Barnhart
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Laterite Data, Research, and Analytics, Nairobi, Kenya
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Akhtar MH, Ramkumar J. Primary Health Center: Can it be made mobile for efficient healthcare services for hard to reach population? A state-of-the-art review. DISCOVER HEALTH SYSTEMS 2023; 2:3. [PMID: 37520517 PMCID: PMC9870199 DOI: 10.1007/s44250-023-00017-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Indian healthcare system is in immediate need of a new healthcare delivery model to increase healthcare accessibility and improve the health outcomes of the marginalized. Inaccessibility and underutilization of Primary Health Centers (PHCs) disproportionately affect people living in remote areas. It is thus imperative for the designers, engineers, health professionals, and policymakers to come together with a collaborative mindset to develop innovative interventions that sustainably manage the accessibility of PHCs at large, promote preventive health, and thus improve the health outcomes of hard-to-reach communities. This article examines the available literature on barriers to primary healthcare in Indian context, the reason of failure of PHCs and the way forward. The article further analysis literature on existing Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) as an alternate solution to conventional PHCs and attempt to extract the major lessons to propose a mobile Primary Health Center (mPHC) in contrast to the existing conventional static PHCs. The intention is to find out the research gaps in the existing literature and try to address the same for future researchers, designers, engineers, health professionals and policy makers to think forward to make this idea of a mobile Primary Health Center (mPHC), as the main delivery model to cater basic healthcare services to the underserved communities.
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Marcellin F, Mourad A, Lemoine M, Kouanfack C, Seydi M, Carrieri P, Attia A, Protopopescu C, Lacombe K, Boyer S. Patient-reported outcomes with direct-acting antiviral treatment for hepatitis C in West and Central Africa (TAC ANRS 12311 trial). JHEP Rep 2022; 5:100665. [PMID: 36686592 PMCID: PMC9853347 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are poorly documented for patients with chronic hepatitis C on direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment in low-to-middle-income countries. We documented PROs during and after DAA treatment in participants of the TAC ANRS 12311 trial (West and Central Africa). Methods Trial participants received a 12-week regimen containing either sofosbuvir plus ribavirin (HCV genotype 2, n = 40), or sofosbuvir plus ledipasvir (HCV genotypes 1 and 4, n = 80). Health-related quality of life (SF-12), fatigue (Piper Fatigue scale), and self-reported symptoms (35-symptom list) were assessed at enrolment (Week (W) 0), during treatment (W2, W4, W8 and W12) and after treatment (W24 and W36). These PROs were compared between W0 and W36 (Wilcoxon signed-rank or McNemar tests). Mixed-effects linear regression models helped identify correlates of physical and mental quality of life component summaries (PCS and MCS) in a longitudinal analysis. Results Most PROs were significantly improved 24 weeks after treatment end (W36), without significant differences between treatment groups. For the post-treatment period, multivariable analysis showed significant increases in PCS for patients with cirrhosis and in MCS for patients in the sofosbuvir plus ribavirin group. A higher number of self-reported symptoms at W0 was associated with lower PCS and MCS, older age and cirrhosis with lower PCS, and male sex and HCV cure with higher PCS. Conclusions Sofosbuvir-based DAA therapy was associated with a significant improvement in PROs 6 months after treatment end in patients with chronic HCV infection from Central and West Africa. These findings may guide HCV treatment providers in low-to-middle-income countries to deliver pre-treatment information concerning the benefits of DAAs beyond viral eradication. ClinicalTrialsgov Identifier NCT02405013. Impact and implications Perceptions and experiences (i.e. "patient-reported outcomes") of patients with chronic hepatitis C receiving direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are poorly documented in the African setting. This study shows significant improvements in health-related quality of life, fatigue, and self-reported symptoms 24 weeks after the end of a 12-week sofosbuvir-based DAA regimen in 120 patients from Central and West Africa. These findings substantially add to the body of knowledge about DAA therapy in the African setting. Treatment providers should be encouraged to inform patients of the benefits of DAAs beyond viral eradication, to increase treatment adherence and retention in care.
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Key Words
- DAA, direct-acting antiviral
- EOT, end-of-treatment
- HRQL, health-related quality of life
- LMICs, low-to-middle income countries
- MCS, mental component summary
- MOS SF-12, Medical Outcomes Study 12-item short-form general health survey
- MOS, Medical Outcomes Study
- PCS, physical component summary
- PROs, patient-reported outcomes
- SOF/LDV, sofosbuvir plus ledipasvir
- SOF/RBV, sofosbuvir plus ribavirin
- SVR, sustained virological response
- W, week
- WHO, World Health Organization
- West Africa
- direct-acting antivirals
- health-related quality of life
- hepatitis C
- symptoms
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Marcellin
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Abbas Mourad
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Maud Lemoine
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Division of Digestive Diseases, Section of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, St Mary’s Hospital, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Charles Kouanfack
- Hôpital de Jour, Hôpital Central de Yaoundé, Cameroon,Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Université de Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Moussa Seydi
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, CHU Fann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Patrizia Carrieri
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Alain Attia
- Service d’hépatologie, CHU Yopougon, Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire
| | - Camelia Protopopescu
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France,Corresponding author. Address: UMR 1252 SESSTIM, Aix-Marseille Univ, Faculté de Médecine 3e étage - Aile Bleue 27, boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille cedex 5 – France. Tel.: +33 4 13 73 22 90..
| | - Karine Lacombe
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d’Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, IPLESP, Paris, France,APHP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Paris, France
| | - Sylvie Boyer
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
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Finbråten AK, Eckhardt BJ, Kapadia SN, Marks KM. Rapid Treatment Initiation for Hepatitis C Virus Infection: Potential Benefits, Current Limitations, and Real-World Examples. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y) 2022; 18:628-638. [PMID: 36866028 PMCID: PMC9972665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
The science for rapid treatment initiation for hepatitis C virus infection is in place. Easy and quick diagnostic tools can provide results within an hour. Necessary assessment before treatment initiation is now minimal and manageable. Treatment has a low dose burden and high tolerability. Although the critical components for rapid treatment are accessible, certain barriers prevent wider utilization, including insurance restrictions and delays in the health care system. Rapid treatment initiation can improve linkage to care by addressing many barriers to care at once, which is essential for achieving a care plateau. Young people with low health care engagement, finitely engaged people (eg, those who are incarcerated), or people with high-risk injection drug behavior, and thereby high risk for transmission of hepatitis C virus, can benefit the most from rapid treatment. Several innovative care models have demonstrated the potential for rapid treatment initiation by overcoming barriers to care with rapid diagnostic testing, decentralization, and simplification. Expanding these models is likely to be an important component for the elimination of hepatitis C virus infection. This article reviews the current motivation for rapid treatment initiation for hepatitis C virus infection and published literature describing rapid treatment initiation models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ane-Kristine Finbråten
- 1Commonwealth Fund, New York, New York,2Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Benjamin J. Eckhardt
- 3Division of Infectious Disease and Immunology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Shashi N. Kapadia
- 2Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York,4Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Kristen M. Marks
- 4Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
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Nyirahabihirwe F, Kamali I, Barnhart DA, Gakuru JDLP, Musafiri T, Rwamuhinda DD, Mutabazi P, Mukayirabuka S, Makuza JD, Kassim N, Mubiligi JM, Ndahimana JD, Kateera F. Implementation of Refugees' Inclusion in National Viral Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Screening Campaign in Mahama Refugee Camp, Rwanda. GLOBAL HEALTH, SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022; 10:GHSP-D-21-00349. [PMID: 35487545 PMCID: PMC9053140 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-21-00349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Conducting a high-quality mass screening campaign for Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus was a feasible, effective, and low-cost strategy to integrate refugees into Rwanda's national hepatitis prevention and management program. Introduction: The World Health Organization has called for the elimination of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) as public health threats by 2030. In response to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees requests, Rwanda became the first country to include refugees in its national viral hepatitis prevention and management program in 2019. We used secondary data to describe the implementation of the first HBV and HCV screening program among refugees in Rwanda. Methods: Rapid diagnostic tests were used to screen for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and HCV antibody (anti-HCV). We used routine data collected during the HBV and HCV mass screening campaign among Burundian refugees living in Mahama camp and program records to estimate the screening coverage, the prevalence of HBV and HCV, and the cost of the campaign. Results: Over 28 days in February and March 2020, 26,498 unique individuals were screened for HBV and HCV, reflecting a screening coverage of 77.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]=76.5%, 78.4%). Coverage was greater than 90% among women aged 30–64 years, but younger age groups and men were less likely to be screened. On average, 946 clients were screened per day. The prevalence of anti-HCV was 1.1% (95% CI=1.0%, 1.3%), and the prevalence of HBsAg was 3.8% (95% CI=3.6%, 4.0%). We estimate that the total cost of the campaign was US$177,336.60, reflecting a per-person-screened cost of US$6.69. Conclusion: Conducting a mass screening was a feasible and effective strategy to achieve high screening coverage and identify refugees who were eligible for HBV and HCV treatment. This screening program in the Mahama refugee camp can serve as a reference for other refugee camps in Rwanda and elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Innocent Kamali
- Partners In Health- Rwanda/Inshuti Mu Buzima, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda
| | - Dale A Barnhart
- Partners In Health- Rwanda/Inshuti Mu Buzima, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda.,Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jean Damascene Makuza
- Rwanda Biomedical Centre, Kigali, Rwanda.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Noor Kassim
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Kigali Rwanda
| | - Joel M Mubiligi
- Partners In Health- Rwanda/Inshuti Mu Buzima, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda
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Nagot N, D’Ottavi M, Quillet C, Debellefontaine A, Castellani J, Langendorfer N, Hanslik B, Guichard S, Baglioni R, Faucherre V, Tuaillon E, Pageaux GP, Laureillard D, Donnadieu-Rigole H. Reaching hardly reached people who use drugs: a community-based strategy for the elimination of hepatitis C. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac181. [PMID: 35774932 PMCID: PMC9239554 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac181] [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: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Elimination of HCV among people who use drugs (PWUD) remains a challenge even in countries in which HCV care is provided free of cost. We assessed whether an innovative community-based respondent-driven sampling (RDS) survey, coupled with HCV screening and immediate treatment, could be efficient to detect and cure active PWUD with chronic HCV in a large city of Southern France.
Methods
At a community site with peers, PWUD (cannabis not included) were enrolled after confirmation by a urine drug test. Participants were then screened for HBV/HCV/HIV and benefited from on-site HCV treatment evaluation and prescription. Peer support was provided during treatment, and a systematic visit was scheduled 12 weeks after the end of treatment. The cost of the intervention was estimated.
Results
554 participants were enrolled. Most were male (78.8%) with a median age of 39 years (IQR: 33-46). Cocaine (73.1%) and heroine (46.8%) were the main drugs consumed. Overall, 32.6% of PWUD (N = 181) were HCV seropositive, of which 49 (27.1%) had detectable HCV RNA and were thus eligible for treatment. Ten of these patients had severe fibrosis. HCV treatment was initiated for 37 (75.5%) patients among whom 30 (81.1%) completed their treatment and 27 (73.0%) achieved sustained viral response at week 12. The total cost was 161€ per screened patient and 1,816€ per patient needing treatment.
Conclusions
Community-based RDS survey approach, involving peers, proved efficient and cost-effective to reach and cure PWUD for HCV. This innovative strategy could be key for the final step of HCV elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Nagot
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic & Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Antilles-Guyane, Montpellier, France
| | - Morgana D’Ottavi
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic & Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Antilles-Guyane, Montpellier, France
| | - Catherine Quillet
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic & Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Antilles-Guyane, Montpellier, France
| | - Anne Debellefontaine
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic & Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Antilles-Guyane, Montpellier, France
- Groupe SOS Solidarité, Montpellier, France
| | - Joëlle Castellani
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic & Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Antilles-Guyane, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Langendorfer
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Bertrand Hanslik
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Sylvain Guichard
- Association of Marginality and Drug Addiction (AMT), Montpellier, France
| | - René Baglioni
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Vincent Faucherre
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Edouard Tuaillon
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic & Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Antilles-Guyane, Montpellier, France
| | - Georges-Philippe Pageaux
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Didier Laureillard
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic & Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Antilles-Guyane, Montpellier, France
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Caremeau University Hospital, Nimes, France
| | - Hélène Donnadieu-Rigole
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic & Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Antilles-Guyane, Montpellier, France
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
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Kamali I, Shumbusho F, Barnhart DA, Nyirahabihirwe F, Gakuru JDLP, Dusingizimana W, Nizeyumuremyi E, Habinshuti P, Walker S, Makuza JD, Serumondo J, Nshogoza Rwibasira G, Ndahimana JD. Time to complete hepatitis C cascade of care among patients identified during mass screening campaigns in rural Rwanda: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:272. [PMID: 35313817 PMCID: PMC8935096 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07271-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Since the discovery of direct-acting antivirals, treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) is increasingly accessible in low-resource settings, but quality of care in these settings is not known. We described progression through the cascade of care among individuals who screened positive for HCV antibodies during a mass screening campaign in Kirehe and Kayonza, two rural Rwandan districts, in September 2019. Methods This retrospective cohort study used routine clinical data to assess proportions of participants completing each stage of the cascade of care, including: (a) screening positive on rapid diagnostic test; (b) return of initial viral load results; (c) detectable viral load; (d) treatment assessment; (e) treatment initiation; (f) return of sustained virological response (SVR12) results; and (g) achieving SVR12. We proposed three indicators to assess timely care provision and used medians and interquartile ranges (IQR) to describe the time to complete the cascade of care. Results Overall, 666 participants screened HCV positive, among them, 452 (68.1%) were female and median age was 61 years (IQR: 47, 70). Viral load results were returned for 537 (80.6%) participants of whom 448 (83.4%) had detectable viral loads. Of these, 398 (88.8%) were assessed for treatment, 394 (99%) were initiated, but only 222 (56.3%) had results returned for SVR12. Among those with SVR12 results, 208 (93.7%) achieved SVR12. When assessing timely care provision, we found 65.9% (95% CI: 62.0, 69.7) of initial viral load results were returned ≤ 30 days of screening; 45% (95% CI: 40.1, 49.8) of people with detectable viral load completed treatment assessment ≤ 90 days of initial viral load results; and 12.5% (95% CI: 9.2, 16.3) of SVR12 results were returned ≤ 210 days of treatment initiation among those who initiated treatment. The overall median time from screening to SVR12 assessment was 437 days. Conclusion Despite high rates of SVR12 among those who completed all stages of the cascade of care, we identified gaps and delays in the treatment cascade. Improving communication between viral load testing hubs and health facilities could reduce the turn-around time for viral load testing, and actively monitor timeliness of care provision could improve quality of HCV care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dale A Barnhart
- Partners In Health / Inshuti Mu Buzima, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda.,Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jean Damascene Makuza
- STIs and OBBI Division, Rwanda Biomedical Centre, HIV/AIDS, Kigali, Rwanda.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,British Columbia Center for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Janvier Serumondo
- STIs and OBBI Division, Rwanda Biomedical Centre, HIV/AIDS, Kigali, Rwanda
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Barnhart DA, Kamali I, Nyirahabihirwe F, Mugabo C, Gakuru JDLP, Uwase M, Nizeyumuremyi E, Musafiri T, Gatete JDD, Makuza JD, Kateera F, Hedt-Gauthier B, Ndahimana JD. Knowledge among patients with Hepatitis C initiating on direct-acting antiviral treatment in rural Rwanda: A prospective cohort study. Glob Health Action 2021; 14:1953250. [PMID: 34347569 PMCID: PMC8344237 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2021.1953250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Curative direct-acting antiviral treatment (DAA) has made it plausible to implement hepatitis C elimination interventions. However, poor hepatitis C knowledge among patients could impede the effectiveness of screening and treatment programs. Objective We assessed knowledge on hepatitis C among rural Rwandans initiating DAA treatment for hepatitis C in a prospective cohort. Methods We administered 15 true-false statements before treatment initiation and during one follow-up visit occurring either 1 or 2 months after treatment initiation. We assessed the average number of correct responses per patient, the proportion of correct responses to individual statements, pre-treatment predictors of knowledge, and whether post-initiation knowledge was associated with time since treatment initiation, quality of care, or adherence. Results Among 333 patients who answered knowledge questions before treatment initiation, 325 (97.6%) were re-assessed at a post-initiation visit. Pre-initiation, 72.1% knew hepatitis C was curable, 61.9% knew that hepatitis C could cause liver damage or cancer, and 42.3% knew that people with hepatitis C could look and feel fine. The average number of correct responses was 8.1 out of 15 (95% CI: 7.8–8.5), but was significantly lower among those with low educational attainment or with low literacy. Post-initiation, correct responses increased by an average of 2.0 statements (95% CI: 1.6, 2.4, p-value <0.001). Many patients still mistakenly believed that hepatitis C could be transmitted through kissing (66.5%), eating utensils (44.1%), handshakes (34.8%), and hugs (34.8%). Post-initiation knowledge is inversely associated with self-reported quality of care and unassociated with self-reported adherence. Conclusion Although knowledge improved over time, key gaps persisted among patients. Accessible public education campaigns targeted to low-literacy populations emphasizing that hepatitis C can be asymptomatic, has severe consequences, and is curable could promote participation in mass screening campaigns and linkage to care. Visual tools could facilitate clinician-provided patient education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale A Barnhart
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Partners In Health-Rwanda/Inshuti Mu Buzima, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda
| | - Innocent Kamali
- Partners In Health-Rwanda/Inshuti Mu Buzima, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda
| | | | - Carol Mugabo
- Partners In Health-Rwanda/Inshuti Mu Buzima, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda
| | | | - Mariam Uwase
- Partners In Health-Rwanda/Inshuti Mu Buzima, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda
| | | | | | | | - Jean Damascene Makuza
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,STIs and OBBI Division, Rwanda Biomedical Center, HIV/AIDS, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Bethany Hedt-Gauthier
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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