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Lopes SS, Pericot-Valverde I, Dotherow JE, Lum PJ, Taylor LE, Mehta SH, Tsui JI, Feinberg J, Kim AY, Norton BL, Page K, Murray-Krezan C, Anderson J, Karasz A, Arnsten J, Moschella P, Heo M, Litwin AH. Effect of self-efficacy among persons who inject drugs treated with direct-acting antivirals on Hepatitis C treatment initiation, duration, completion, adherence, and cure. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 262:111384. [PMID: 38991632 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-efficacy, a patient-level factor, has been shown to facilitate patient engagement in treatment and optimize treatment-related outcomes in various health contexts. Research on interventions supporting hepatitis C virus (HCV) direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment uptake and adherence among persons who inject drugs (PWID) is needed, but whether self-efficacy factors influence DAA treatment cascade outcomes in this population has been less studied. METHODS Using the HERO study data, we analyzed a subset of participants with any general health self-efficacy data (n=708) measured at baseline and end-of-treatment time points using a 5-items instrument (facets: 'goal setting', 'goal attainment', 'having a positive effect', 'being in control', and 'working to improve'). The cascade outcomes included DAA treatment initiation, duration, adherence, completion, and sustained virologic response (SVR). The effect of baseline and change (Δ) scores for composite and item-level self-efficacy on the cascade outcomes was assessed using logistic regression and generalized linear models. RESULTS Higher baseline composite self-efficacy [adjusted odds ratio (95 % confidence interval) =1.57 (1.07, 2.29)], 'goal attainment' [1.31 (1.03, 1.67)] and 'having a positive effect' [1.33 (1.03, 1.74)] were associated with greater likelihood of treatment initiation. 'Δ Goal attainment' was significantly associated with SVR [1.63 (1.04, 2.53)]. 'Δ Being in control' and 'Δ working to improve' were associated with treatment adherence and duration, respectively. CONCLUSIONS General health self-efficacy positively influences DAA treatment initiation among PWID. 'Goal attainment' facilitates the achievement of DAA treatment-related outcomes. Further studies should assess the effect of self-efficacy related to performing healthcare tasks specific to DAAs on the treatment-related outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snehal S Lopes
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Irene Pericot-Valverde
- Department of Psychology, College of Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - J Edward Dotherow
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Paula J Lum
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 1001 Potrero Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
| | - Lynn E Taylor
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Research, University of Rhode Island, 7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Shruti H Mehta
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Room E6546, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Judith I Tsui
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Judith Feinberg
- Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, West Virginia University School of Medicine, 930 Chestnut Ridge Road, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, West Virginia University School of Medicine, 1 Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Arthur Y Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Brianna L Norton
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
| | - Kimberly Page
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico, MSC 10 5550, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Cristina Murray-Krezan
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Jessica Anderson
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico, MSC 10 5550, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Alison Karasz
- UMass Chan Medical School, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Ave, North Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Julia Arnsten
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
| | - Phillip Moschella
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Prisma Health, Greenville, SC, USA; School of Health Research, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA; Department of Medicine, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, 876 W Faris Rd, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Moonseong Heo
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Alain H Litwin
- School of Health Research, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA; Department of Medicine, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, 876 W Faris Rd, Greenville, SC 29605, USA; Department of Medicine, Prisma Health, Greenville, SC, USA.
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Padi A, Pericot-Valverde I, Heo M, Dotherow JE, Niu J, Martin M, Norton BL, Akiyama MJ, Arnsten JH, Litwin AH. Distrust in the Health Care System and Adherence to Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy among People with Hepatitis C Virus Who Inject Drugs. Viruses 2024; 16:1304. [PMID: 39205278 PMCID: PMC11359142 DOI: 10.3390/v16081304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
This study is a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial (October 2013-April 2017) involving 150 People Who Inject Drugs (PWIDs) with hepatitis C virus (HCV) seen in opioid agonist treatment programs in the Bronx, New York, and investigates the impact of distrust in the healthcare system on adherence to Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs) HCV treatment therapy among PWIDs. The distrust was scaled on a 9-item instrument and the adherence to DAA medications was measured using electronic blister packs. This study demonstrated a significant inverse relationship between levels of distrust and medication adherence: 71.8 ± 2.2% (se) vs. 77.9 ± 1.8%, p = 0.024 between participants with higher and lower distrust levels. Despite the absence of significant association of distrust with sociodemographic or substance use characteristics, these findings suggest that building trust within the healthcare system is paramount for improving adherence to DAAs among PWIDs. The results call for a healthcare approach that emphasizes trust-building through patient-centered care, sensitivity training, peer support, and health system reform to effectively address the treatment needs of this marginalized population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhila Padi
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
| | - Irene Pericot-Valverde
- Department of Psychology, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA;
- Addiction Medicine Center, Department of Medicine, Prisma Health, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Moonseong Heo
- Department of Public Health Science, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA; (M.H.); (J.E.D.)
| | - James Edward Dotherow
- Department of Public Health Science, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA; (M.H.); (J.E.D.)
| | - Jiajing Niu
- School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA;
| | - Madhuri Martin
- Department of Medicine, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville, SC 29615, USA;
| | - Brianna L. Norton
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (B.L.N.); (J.H.A.)
| | - Matthew J. Akiyama
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (B.L.N.); (J.H.A.)
| | - Julia H. Arnsten
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (B.L.N.); (J.H.A.)
| | - Alain H. Litwin
- Department of Psychology, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA;
- Addiction Medicine Center, Department of Medicine, Prisma Health, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville, SC 29615, USA;
- Department of Medicine, Prisma Health, 605 Grove Road, Suite 205, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
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Batchelder AW, Heo M, Foley JD, Sullivan MC, Lum P, Pericot Valverde I, Taylor LE, Mehta SH, Kim AY, Norton B, Tsui JI, Feinberg J, Page K, Litwin AH. Shame and stigma in association with the HCV cascade to cure among people who inject drugs. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 253:111013. [PMID: 37951006 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.111013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psycho-social experiences including shame and experienced and internalized stigma have been associated with substance use, HCV infection, and reluctance to disclose HCV status and pursue treatment. These psycho-social barriers have been examined independently for many chronic diseases, including HCV, but to our knowledge have not been quantitatively explored in a large multi-site US-based sample of people who inject drugs (PWID) in HCV treatment. METHODS We examine baseline relationships with HCV-stigma and engagement across the HCV treatment cascade as well as baseline and longitudinal relationships between shame and engagement across the HCV treatment cascade including treatment initiation, adherence, completion, and sustained virologic response (SVR) among a multi-site sample of PWID with HCV, where N=755 were randomized to the pragmatic trial comparing HCV treatment outcomes in modified directly observed treatment (mDOT) or patient navigation, and N=623 initiated treatment. RESULTS While cross-sectional assessments of shame and HCV-stigma were not associated with engagement across the HCV treatment cascade, those whose shame scores decreased compared to those who reported consistently high and increasing levels of shame were significantly more likely to complete HCV treatment (aOR=5.29; 95%CI: 1.56,18.00) and achieve SVR (aOR=6.32; 95%CI: 1.61, 24.87). CONCLUSION Results underscore the relationships between lower levels of shame and health-related behavior and treatment outcomes among PWID and suggest SVR achievement may contribute to reductions in shame or that reductions in shame may contribute to continued treatment and thus SVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail W Batchelder
- Behavioral Medicine Program, Psychiatry Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, One Bowdoin Square, Suite 701, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, One Bowdoin Square, Suite 701, Boston, MA 02114, USA; The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, 1340 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Moonseong Heo
- Department of Public Health, College of Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences, Clemson University, 116 Edwards Hall, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Jacklyn D Foley
- Behavioral Medicine Program, Psychiatry Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, One Bowdoin Square, Suite 701, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, One Bowdoin Square, Suite 701, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Matthew C Sullivan
- Behavioral Medicine Program, Psychiatry Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, One Bowdoin Square, Suite 701, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, One Bowdoin Square, Suite 701, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Paula Lum
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Lynn E Taylor
- College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Shruti H Mehta
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Arthur Y Kim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brianna Norton
- Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Judith I Tsui
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Judith Feinberg
- Department of Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry and Department of Medicine, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Kim Page
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Alain H Litwin
- Department of Medicine, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634 USA; Department of Medicine, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville, SC, USA; Department of Medicine, Prisma Health, Greenville, SC, USA.
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Martinez A, Cheng WH, Marx SE, Manthena S, Dylla DE, Wilson L, Thomas E. Shorter Duration Hepatitis C Virus Treatment is Associated with Better Persistence to Prescription Refills in People Who Inject Drugs: A Real-World Study. Adv Ther 2023; 40:3465-3477. [PMID: 37285080 PMCID: PMC10329950 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-023-02539-5] [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] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy is highly effective in curing hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in people who inject drugs (PWID). Previous studies showed declining persistence to DAA therapy over the course of treatment. This study compares real-world medication persistence to prescription refills for 8- versus 12-week DAA in treatment-naïve PWID with chronic HCV with compensated cirrhosis or without cirrhosis. METHODS Symphony Health's claims database was used to collect data from patients with chronic HCV aged ≥ 12 years who were prescribed 8- or 12-week DAA therapy between August 2017 and November 2020 and had a diagnosis of addicted drug use within 6 months prior to index date. Eligible patients had medical/pharmacy claims in the 6 months before and 3 months after the first index medication fill date (i.e., index date). Patients completing all refills (8-week = 1 refill, 12-week = 2 refills) were deemed persistent. The percentage of persistent patients in each group, and at each refill step, was determined; outcomes were also assessed in a subgroup of Medicaid-insured patients. RESULTS This study assessed 7203 PWID with chronic HCV (8-week, 4002; 12-week, 3201). Patients prescribed 8-week DAA treatment were younger (42.9 ± 12.4 vs 47.5 ± 13.2, P < 0.001) and had fewer comorbidities (P < 0.001). Patients receiving 8- versus 12-week DAA had greater refill persistence (87.9% vs 64.4%, P < 0.001). Similar percentages of patients missed their first refill (8-week, 12.1% vs 12-week, 10.8%); nearly 25% of patients receiving 12-week DAA missed their second refill. After baseline characteristics were controlled, patients prescribed 8- versus 12-week DAA were more likely to be persistent (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] 4.3 [3.8, 5.0]). Findings in the Medicaid-insured subgroup were consistent. CONCLUSION Patients prescribed 8- vs 12-week DAA therapy had significantly greater prescription refill persistence. Most nonpersistence was due to missed second refills, highlighting the potential benefit of shorter treatment durations in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Martinez
- Department of Medicine, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, 462 Grider Street, Buffalo, NY, 14215, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Emmanuel Thomas
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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Reau N, Cheng WH, Shao Q, Marx SE, Brooks H, Martinez A. Real-World Effectiveness of 8-Week Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir in Treatment-Naïve, Compensated Cirrhotic HCV Patients. Infect Dis Ther 2023:10.1007/s40121-023-00823-z. [PMID: 37329414 PMCID: PMC10390440 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-023-00823-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The EXPEDITION-8 clinical trial has demonstrated that treatment-naïve patients with compensated cirrhosis (TN/CC) of HCV genotypes 1-6 can achieve a 98% intent-to-treat sustained virologic response rate 12 weeks post-treatment with an 8-week glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (G/P) regimen. Further real-world evidence is needed to support the effectiveness of 8-week G/P in a clinical practice setting and to consolidate these treatment recommendations. The aim of this study is to contribute real-world evidence for the effectiveness of an 8-week G/P treatment in TN/CC patients with HCV genotypes 1-6. METHODS Retrospective real-world data from 494 TN/CC patients with HCV genotypes 1-6 were collected between August 2017 to December 2020 from the Symphony Health Solutions administrative claims database. Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected at baseline. Patients were required to have a follow-up HCV ribonucleic acid level at least 8 weeks or more after the end of treatment. The percentage of patients achieving a sustained virologic response (SVR) is reported. RESULTS The majority of patients were male (58%) and Caucasian (40%), with a mean age of 58 years; 74%, 12%, 12%, and 1% of patients were HCV genotype 1, 2, 3, and 4-6 infected, respectively. SVR was achieved in 95.5% of all patients. Across patient subgroups, SVR was achieved in 95.6% of patients with HCV genotype 3 and in 93% of HCV patients with a recent diagnosis of illicit drug use or abuse (within 6 months prior to G/P initiation). CONCLUSION Early real-world evidence indicates high effectiveness of the 8-week G/P regimen in TN/CC patients of HCV genotypes 1-6 from a large US claims database.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Reau
- Rush University Medical Center, 1725 W. Harrison St., Suite 158, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | - Anthony Martinez
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Karasz A, Singh R, McKee MD, Merchant K, Kim AY, Page K, Pericot-Valverde I, Stein ES, Taylor LE, Wagner K, Litwin AH. Treatment for hepatitis C virus with direct acting antiviral agents: Perspectives and treatment experiences of people who inject drugs. J Subst Abuse Treat 2022; 140:108768. [PMID: 35729038 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2022.108768] [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: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Increasingly, people who inject drugs (PWID) infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) are gaining access to highly effective direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs). Although past studies examined patient experiences with interferon-based treatments, few have explored patient experiences with these new generation therapeutics. Research and real world experience indicate that many PWID can be successfully treated with the new DAAs. Yet a substantial minority fail to complete treatment or achieve only suboptimal adherence. This qualitative study examines experiences with treatment among participants in Project HERO, a large multisite trial designed to compare treatment delivery methods for DAAs. We explored treatment experiences among HERO participants, with the goal of understanding potential barriers to treatment engagement and completion. METHODS We conducted qualitative interviews with a sample of 21 participants, including 14 who completed HCV treatment and 7 participants who discontinued treatment before the end of the 12-week medication course. The first phase of the analysis was descriptive, examining participants' life experiences, histories of disease and treatment seeking, experiences with the program, and barriers to treatment completion. The second phase of the analysis examined differences between completers and noncompleters. RESULTS Participants offered a variety of reasons for seeking treatment. Both groups of participants reported highly positive experiences of the HERO trial. Participants described research staff as caring, respectful, and nonjudgmental. Substance use was reported by both groups, yet completers described "manageable" substance use, while noncompleters described substance use that sapped their energy and motivation. Shame over drug use was a barrier to treatment completion. Homelessness and a reported lack of social support were much more common in the noncompleter group. CONCLUSIONS Reasons for noncompletion were not related to features of the clinical trial or treatment program. Our results indicate the importance of: 1) recognizing and addressing severe social and economic challenges such as homelessness; and 2) building a program culture of respect and compassion in treatment programs for PWID infected with HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Karasz
- Department of Family and Social Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Blvd, Bronx, NY 10462, United States of America.
| | - Reena Singh
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10461, United States of America.
| | - M Diane McKee
- University of Massachusetts, School of Medicine and Albert Einstein, College of Medicine, 55 Lake Ave., North Worcester MA 01655/1300 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10461, United States of America.
| | - Krupa Merchant
- University of South Carolina, School of Medicine Greenville, 607 Grove Rd., Greenville, SC 29605, United States of America.
| | - Arthur Y Kim
- Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street Cox 5, Boston, MA 02130, United States of America.
| | - Kimberly Page
- University of New Mexico, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Preventive Medicine, MSC10 5550 1, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131.
| | - Irene Pericot-Valverde
- Clemson University, College of Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences, 605 Grove Rd., Greenville, SC 29605, United States of America.
| | - Ellen S Stein
- University of California, San Francisco, Mission Hall, 550-16th St., Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94158.
| | - Lynn E Taylor
- University of Rhode Island, CODAC Behavioral Health, 80 Washington Street, Rm. 525, Providence, RI 02903, United States of America.
| | - Katherine Wagner
- University of New Mexico, MSC10 5550 1, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States of America.
| | - Alain H Litwin
- Prisma Health/Clemson University, Department of Medicine, Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital, Medical Support Tower, 5th Floor, 701 Grove Rd., Greenville, SC 29695, United States of America.
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Tatara E, Gutfraind A, Collier NT, Echevarria D, Cotler SJ, Major ME, Ozik J, Dahari H, Boodram B. Modeling hepatitis C micro-elimination among people who inject drugs with direct-acting antivirals in metropolitan Chicago. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264983. [PMID: 35271634 PMCID: PMC8912265 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of chronic liver disease and mortality worldwide. Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy leads to high cure rates. However, persons who inject drugs (PWID) are at risk for reinfection after cure and may require multiple DAA treatments to reach the World Health Organization's (WHO) goal of HCV elimination by 2030. Using an agent-based model (ABM) that accounts for the complex interplay of demographic factors, risk behaviors, social networks, and geographic location for HCV transmission among PWID, we examined the combination(s) of DAA enrollment (2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%), adherence (60%, 70%, 80%, 90%) and frequency of DAA treatment courses needed to achieve the WHO's goal of reducing incident chronic infections by 90% by 2030 among a large population of PWID from Chicago, IL and surrounding suburbs. We also estimated the economic DAA costs associated with each scenario. Our results indicate that a DAA treatment rate of >7.5% per year with 90% adherence results in 75% of enrolled PWID requiring only a single DAA course; however 19% would require 2 courses, 5%, 3 courses and <2%, 4 courses, with an overall DAA cost of $325 million to achieve the WHO goal in metropolitan Chicago. We estimate a 28% increase in the overall DAA cost under low adherence (70%) compared to high adherence (90%). Our modeling results have important public health implications for HCV elimination among U.S. PWID. Using a range of feasible treatment enrollment and adherence rates, we report robust findings supporting the need to address re-exposure and reinfection among PWID to reduce HCV incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Tatara
- Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Decision and Infrastructure Sciences, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ET); (HD); (BB)
| | - Alexander Gutfraind
- The Program for Experimental & Theoretical Modeling, Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, United States of America
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Nicholson T. Collier
- Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Decision and Infrastructure Sciences, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Desarae Echevarria
- The Program for Experimental & Theoretical Modeling, Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Scott J. Cotler
- The Program for Experimental & Theoretical Modeling, Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Marian E. Major
- Division of Viral Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Ozik
- Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Decision and Infrastructure Sciences, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Harel Dahari
- The Program for Experimental & Theoretical Modeling, Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ET); (HD); (BB)
| | - Basmattee Boodram
- Division of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ET); (HD); (BB)
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Jia K, Venkateshan H, Burke M. Qualitative analysis of the barriers and facilitators influencing uptake of direct-acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C in a primary healthcare environment. Aust J Prim Health 2022; 28:247-254. [PMID: 35264282 DOI: 10.1071/py21180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Historical interferon and ribavirin therapies for hepatitis C virus have been replaced by modern treatments with improved efficacy and tolerability. Despite the availability of direct-acting antiviral therapy, evidence demonstrates poor uptake in Australia. Presently, the barriers and facilitators influencing uptake of direct-acting antiviral therapy are not fully understood, especially in a primary healthcare environment. Our study aimed to discover methods of improving uptake of treatment in the community. We conducted 15 semi-structured, face-to-face interviews in a metropolitan, primary healthcare clinic in Australia. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and subsequently analysed using thematic content analysis. We identified patient-related and healthcare system-related barriers and facilitators to commencing treatment. This included established themes from current literature, and novel themes unique to direct-acting antiviral therapy and primary care. Overall, our study reinforces the importance of public health campaigns to promote community awareness and emphasises the concomitant role of mental health in fostering treatment uptake. Informed by our findings, we suggest further research on an integrated model of care, focused on the domains of disease awareness, patient engagement and treatment adherence. Hence, a community-oriented approach, driven by primary healthcare, ultimately underpins a successful public strategy to improve outcomes for patients affected by hepatitis C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Jia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; and School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Harsha Venkateshan
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Michael Burke
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2560, Australia; and Kildare Road Medical Centre, Blacktown, NSW 2148, Australia
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Paisi M, Crombag N, Burns L, Bogaerts A, Withers L, Bates L, Crowley D, Witton R, Shawe J. Barriers and facilitators to hepatitis C screening and treatment for people with lived experience of homelessness: A mixed-methods systematic review. Health Expect 2022; 25:48-60. [PMID: 34862710 PMCID: PMC8849376 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People experiencing homelessness have an increased risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, with rates higher than the general population. However, their access to HCV diagnosis is limited and treatment uptake is low. OBJECTIVES To identify and describe the barriers and facilitators for HCV screening and treatment for adults with lived experience of homelessness in highly developed countries. METHODS Bibliographic databases (Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL and SocINDEX) and grey literature (Google, EThOS, the Health Foundation, Social Care Online, the World Health Organisation, Shelter, Crisis and Pathway) were searched. Two reviewers independently screened and appraised all studies. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool and the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist were used. The analysis involved a three-stage process: coding, theme generation and theme mapping under Penchansky and Thomas's modified access model. RESULTS Twelve papers/reports were included in the review. Several interacting factors influence access of people with lived experience of homelessness to HCV testing and treatment. Some mirror those identified for the general population. The precarious conditions associated with the lived experience of homelessness along with the rigidity of hospital settings and lack of awareness emerged as dominant barriers. Flexibility, outreach, effective communication, tailoring and integration of services were found to be important facilitators. Evidence from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups is limited. CONCLUSIONS People experiencing homelessness face multiple barriers in accessing and completing HCV treatment, relating to both their lived experience and characteristics of health systems. Although some barriers are readily amenable to change, others are more difficult to modify. The facilitators identified could inform future targeted measures to improve HCV diagnosis and treatment for people experiencing homelessness. Research is warranted into successful models to promote screening, diagnosis and treatment. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Our team includes a peer advocate, a hepatology nurse and a community volunteer, all with significant experience in promoting and engaging in HCV care and outreach for people experiencing homelessness. They contributed to the protocol, interpretation and reporting of the review findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Paisi
- School of Nursing and MidwiferyUniversity of PlymouthPlymouthUK
- Peninsula Dental SchoolUniversity of PlymouthPlymouthUK
| | - Neeltje Crombag
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Urogenital, Abdominal and Plastic SurgeryKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Lorna Burns
- Peninsula Dental SchoolUniversity of PlymouthPlymouthUK
| | - Annick Bogaerts
- School of Nursing and MidwiferyUniversity of PlymouthPlymouthUK
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Unit Woman and ChildKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Research and Innovation in Care (CRIC)University of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | | | - Laura Bates
- Hepatology Nursing TeamUniversity Hospitals Plymouth NHS TrustPlymouthUK
| | | | - Robert Witton
- Peninsula Dental SchoolUniversity of PlymouthPlymouthUK
| | - Jill Shawe
- School of Nursing and MidwiferyUniversity of PlymouthPlymouthUK
- Royal Cornwall NHS TrustCornwallUK
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Anderson NC, Kesten JM, Ayres R, Hickman M, Amlôt R, Michie S, Lorencatto F. Acceptability of, and barriers and facilitators to, a pilot physical health service for people who inject drugs: A qualitative study with service users and providers. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 99:103437. [PMID: 34600415 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103437] [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] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs may experience difficulty accessing or maintaining involvement with traditional healthcare services. This is associated with increased health inequalities and bio-psychosocial difficulties. Embedding physical healthcare services within community-based drug services may provide a practical and feasible approach to increase access and delivery of healthcare. This study explored the acceptability of, and barriers and facilitators to, embedding a pilot physical healthcare service within a community-based drug service in the United Kingdom (Bristol, England). METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with service users (people who inject drugs) (n = 13), and a focus group was conducted with service providers (n = 11: nine harm reduction workers, two nurses, one service manager). Topic guides included questions to explore barriers and facilitators to using and delivering the service (based on the COM-B Model), and acceptability of the service (using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability). Transcripts were analysed using a combined deductive framework and inductive thematic analysis approach. RESULTS The service was viewed as highly acceptable. Service users and providers were confident they could access and provide the service respectively, and perceived it to be effective. Barriers included competing priorities of service users (e.g. drug use) and the wider service (e.g. equipment), and the potential impact of the service being removed in future was viewed as a barrier to overall healthcare access. Both service users and providers viewed embedding the physical health service within an existing community-based drug service as facilitating accessible and holistic care which reduced stigma and discrimination. CONCLUSIONS The current study demonstrated embedding a physical health service within an existing community-drug based and alcohol service was acceptable and beneficial. Future studies are required to demonstrate cost-effectiveness and ensure long-term sustainability, and to determine transferability of findings to other settings, organisations and countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niall C Anderson
- Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, WC1E 7HB, UK; National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK.
| | - Joanna M Kesten
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK; Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, BS8 1QU, UK; NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West (ARC West), Bristol, BS1 2NT, UK
| | | | - Matthew Hickman
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK; Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, BS8 1QU, UK
| | - Richard Amlôt
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK; Health Protection Agency, Public Health England, Bristol, BS1 6EH, UK; Health Protection Research Unit in Emergency Preparedness and Response, Public Health England, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Susan Michie
- Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Fabiana Lorencatto
- Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
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11
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Kislovskiy Y, Chappell C, Flaherty E, Hamm ME, Cameron FDA, Krans EE, Chang JC. Experiences and Perspectives From Women Taking Investigational Therapy for Hepatitis C Virus During Pregnancy. Subst Abuse 2021; 15:11782218211046261. [PMID: 34602820 PMCID: PMC8481705 DOI: 10.1177/11782218211046261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Describe the experiences and perspectives among pregnant people with chronic HCV infection receiving ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) therapy during pregnancy. METHODS We conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews within an open-label, phase 1 study of LDV/SOF therapy among pregnant people with chronic HCV infection. Participants took 12 weeks of LDV/SOF and were interviewed at enrollment and again at the end of treatment. We transcribed the interviews verbatim and coded them with NVivo software for subsequent inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS Nine pregnant people completed the study, leading to 18 interview transcripts. All participants identified as women. Eight women acquired HCV through injection drug use, and 1 through perinatal transmission. We identified 3 themes. (1) Treatment for HCV during pregnancy with LDV/SOF was tolerable and convenient. (2) Women described that taking investigational LDV/SOF increased their self-esteem and sense of well-being due to possible cure from HCV, and they felt that the experience of working hard to achieve cure may potentially prevent return to drug abuse in the future. (3) Women appreciated researchers and providers that gave non-judgmental care and communicated honestly, and preferred person-centered care that acknowledges women's individual needs. CONCLUSIONS Women stated that cure from HCV would be "life-changing," and described antepartum treatment for HCV with LDV/SOF as tolerable and desired, when provided by non-judgmental providers. Antepartum treatment was found to be acceptable by study participants and should be further evaluated to combat the increasing HCV epidemic among young persons, including pregnant people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaswi Kislovskiy
- Department of OB/Gyn and Women’s Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Catherine Chappell
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Emily Flaherty
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Megan E Hamm
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Flor de Abril Cameron
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth E Krans
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Judy C Chang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Boeke CE, Adesigbin C, Agwuocha C, Anartati A, Aung HT, Aung KS, Grover GS, Ngo D, Okamoto E, Ngwije A, Nsanzimana S, Sindhwani S, Singh G, Sun LP, Kinh NV, Waworuntu W, McClure C. Initial success from a public health approach to hepatitis C testing, treatment and cure in seven countries: the road to elimination. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 5:bmjgh-2020-003767. [PMID: 33328200 PMCID: PMC7745326 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-003767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With political will, modest financial investment and effective technical assistance, public sector hepatitis C virus (HCV) programmes can be established in low- and middle-income countries as a first step towards elimination. Seven countries, with support from the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) and partners, have expanded access to HCV treatment by combining programme simplification with market shaping to reduce commodity prices. CHAI has supported a multipronged approach to HCV programme launch in Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Rwanda and Vietnam including pricing negotiations with suppliers, policy development, fast-track registrations of quality-assured generics, financing advocacy and strengthened service delivery. Governments are leading programme implementation, leveraging HIV programme infrastructure/financing and focusing on higher-HCV prevalence populations like people living with HIV, people who inject drugs and prisoners. This manuscript aims to describe programme structure and strategies, highlight current commodity costs and outline testing and treatment volumes across these countries. Across countries, commodity costs have fallen from >US$100 per diagnostic test and US$750-US$900 per 12-week pan-genotypic direct-acting antiviral regimen to as low as US$80 per-cure commodity package, including WHO-prequalified generic drugs (sofosbuvir + daclatasvir). As of December 2019, 5900+ healthcare workers were trained, 2 209 209 patients were screened, and 120 522 patients initiated treatment. The cure (SVR12) rate was >90%, including at lower-tier facilities. Programmes are successfully implementing simplified, decentralised public health approaches. Combined with political will and affordable pricing, these efforts can translate into commitments to achieve global targets. However, to achieve elimination, additional investment in scale-up is required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Clement Adesigbin
- National AIDS/STIs Control Programme, Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | - Khin Sanda Aung
- National Hepatitis Control Program, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health and Sports, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Gagandeep Singh Grover
- Department of Health and Family Welfare, National Viral Hepatitis Control Program, Government of Punjab, Chandigarh, India
| | - Dang Ngo
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Emi Okamoto
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Alida Ngwije
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | | | - Grace Singh
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ly Penh Sun
- National Center for HIV/AIDS, Dermatology, and Infectious Disease, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | | | - Wiendra Waworuntu
- Directorate of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Craig McClure
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Akiyama MJ, Muller A, Huang O, Lizcano J, Nyakowa M, Riback L, Ross J, Bundi H, Kulabi ES, Mwangi AM, Musyoki H, Cherutich P, Kurth A. Hepatitis C-related knowledge, attitudes and perceived risk behaviours among people who inject drugs in Kenya: A qualitative study. Glob Public Health 2021; 17:1016-1028. [PMID: 33689563 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2021.1896763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite disproportionately high rates of Hepatitis C (HCV) among people who inject drugs (PWID) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), understanding of HCV-related knowledge, attitudes and perceived risk behaviours among this population remains limited. We aimed to elucidate knowledge, attitudes and experiences that could minimise transmission risk and maximise HCV treatment engagement among PWID in Kenya following the integration of HCV screening and education with needle and syringe programmes in drop-in-centres (DICs). We recruited 40 PWID with chronic HCV attending DICs in Nairobi and Coastal Kenya. Semi-structured interviews revealed a general understanding of HCV and awareness of HCV risk behaviours among participants; however, many felt limited control over their transmission risk due to factors such as 'local doctors', or individuals who perform a high volume of high-risk injections. Financial barriers, distance to clinic, poor health status and HCV-related stigma were all noted as barriers to HCV treatment. In conclusion, basic knowledge of and motivation for HCV treatment among PWID accessing DICs in Kenya was high; however, structural barriers and stigma complicate access to care. Local education programmes can address knowledge gaps, and behavioural and structural interventions can maximise the impact of HCV care in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Akiyama
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine / Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Abbe Muller
- Yale University, Yale School of Nursing, Orange, CT, USA
| | - Owen Huang
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine / Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - John Lizcano
- Yale University, Yale School of Nursing, Orange, CT, USA
| | - Mercy Nyakowa
- Kenya Ministry of Health, National AIDS & STI Control Program (NASCOP), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lindsey Riback
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine / Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan Ross
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine / Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Henry Bundi
- Kenya Ministry of Health, National AIDS & STI Control Program (NASCOP), Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Ann Muthoni Mwangi
- Kenya Ministry of Health, National AIDS & STI Control Program (NASCOP), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Helgar Musyoki
- Kenya Ministry of Health, National AIDS & STI Control Program (NASCOP), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Peter Cherutich
- Kenya Ministry of Health, National AIDS & STI Control Program (NASCOP), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ann Kurth
- Yale University, Yale School of Nursing, Orange, CT, USA
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14
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Norton BL, Akiyama MJ, Arnsten JH, Agyemang L, Heo M, Litwin AH. High HCV cure rates among people who inject drugs and have suboptimal adherence: A patient-centered approach to HCV models of care. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 93:103135. [PMID: 33667826 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Though people who inject drugs (PWID) make up the majority of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic, concerns about adherence often exclude PWID from receiving direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medication. The most effective models of HCV care to promote sustained virologic response (SVR) and high adherence need to be evaluated. METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study in three opioid treatment programs (OTPs) in the Bronx, NY. Participants, in collaboration with providers, chose one of three models of onsite care: directly observed therapy (mDOT), group treatment (GT), or self-administered individual treatment (SIT). SVR12, daily adherence, and participant characteristics were compared between groups. RESULTS Of 61 participants, the majority were male (62%) and Latino (67%), with a mean age of 53 (SD 9). Participants received DAAs via one of three models of care: mDOT (21%), GT (25%), or SIT (54%). The majority (59%) used illicit drugs during treatment. Overall, SVR12 was 98% with no differences between models of care: mDOT (100%), GT (100%), and SIT (97%) (p = 1.0). Overall, daily adherence was 73% (SD 16); 86% among those who chose mDOT compared to 71% among those who chose GT (p<0.01) and 73% among those who chose SIT (p<0.01). CONCLUSION Despite ongoing illicit drug use and suboptimal adherence, SVR12 was high among PWID treated onsite at an OTP using any one of three models of care. Shared decision making in real world settings may be key to choosing the appropriate model of care for PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna L Norton
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States.
| | - Matthew J Akiyama
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Julia H Arnsten
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States; Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Linda Agyemang
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Moonseong Heo
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States; School of Mathematical Science, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States
| | - Alain H Litwin
- Department of Medicine, University of South Carolina School of Medicine - Greenville, Greenville, SC, United States; Department of Medicine, Prisma Health-Upstate, Greenville, SC, United States; Clemson University School of Health Research, Clemson, SC, United States
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15
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Patient Centeredness in Hepatitis C Direct-Acting Antiviral Treatment Delivery to People Who Inject Drugs: A Scoping Review. PATIENT-PATIENT CENTERED OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2020; 14:471-484. [PMID: 33372245 PMCID: PMC8357769 DOI: 10.1007/s40271-020-00489-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objective Patient-centered care (PCC) is crucial for value-based care. We aimed to assess PCC dimensions addressed in hepatitis C virus direct-acting antiviral treatment delivery to people who inject drugs. Methods We conducted a scoping review to identify the studies that described hepatitis C virus treatment delivery to people who inject drugs in the direct-acting antiviral treatment era. We analyzed the included studies against eight PCC dimensions: (1) access to care; (2) coordination and integration of care; (3) continuity and translation; (4) physical comfort; (5) information, education, and communication; (6) emotional support; (7) involvement of family and friends; and (8) respect for individual patient preferences, perceived needs, and values. Additionally, we assessed the use of patient-centered terminology and the recognition of PCC importance and its relevance to treatment outcomes. Results None of the identified 36 studies addressed all PCC dimensions (highest seven, lowest two). Our findings revealed that PCC dimensions are prioritized differently and addressed using different approaches and strategies. Studies that used PCC terminology referred to personalized activities, which does not imply comprehensive PCC. About one-third of the studies acknowledged the importance of patient centeredness and two-thirds recognized its relevance to treatment outcomes. Conclusions Our findings suggest more engagement of people who inject drugs and comprehensive involvement of their families and friends in hepatitis C virus treatment journey, decisions, and outcomes. The recognition of PCC importance and its relevance to treatment outcomes in the analyzed studies emphasizes the need for more patient-centered hepatitis C virus treatment for people who inject drugs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40271-020-00489-6.
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Amini-Rarani M, Khedmati Morasae E, Pashaei T, Moeeni M. Redemption from plight: a qualitative study on reasons behind treatment decisions among Iranian male opioid users. SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PREVENTION AND POLICY 2020; 15:57. [PMID: 32771025 PMCID: PMC7414986 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-020-00299-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid use remains a significant cause of harm to individual health. Perceived motives are of the main factors that help lead a patient into seeking treatment voluntarily to obviate that harm. The current study expands on the literature by exploring when and how male users of opioids become motivated to voluntarily seek treatment services. METHODS In a qualitative study in Isfahan city from January 2018 to March 2019, 55 male participants who had already started a variety of treatment services to withdraw their dependence on opioids were recruited. Selection of participants was based on a maximum variation purposive sampling strategy. Each participant took part in a unstructured interview to identify his motives for seeking opioid use treatment. Interviews were undertaken in eight different treatment centers. An inductive thematic analysis method was used to analyze the interviews. RESULTS The findings highlight that Iranian male opioid users have different motivations to seek treatment. To be precise, the findings illuminate three global themes and six themes as treatment-seeking motives among the participants including; motives related to family (reason for family and reason of family), quality of life (adverse effects on personal lifestyle and health) and economic motives (financial failure and job failure). CONCLUSIONS The findings can improve our understanding of the motives for seeking treatment from the perspective of opioid patients who entered themselves into treatment. Particularly, these findings could help policymakers and treatment providers to better understand opioid-use patient's perceived concerns and fears as motives for treatment-seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Amini-Rarani
- Health Management and Economics Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Tahereh Pashaei
- Environmental Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Maryam Moeeni
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran, Hezar-Jerib Ave, Isfahan, 81746 73461, Iran.
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Sulkowski M, Luetkemeyer AF, Wyles DL, Martorell C, Muir A, Weisberg I, Gordon SC, McLain R, Huhn G. Impact of a digital medicine programme on hepatitis C treatment adherence and efficacy in adults at high risk for non-adherence. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2020; 51:1384-1396. [PMID: 32352586 DOI: 10.1111/apt.15707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Direct-acting anti-virals (DAA) are highly effective for hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment, but perceived risks of medication non-adherence may restrict access to care. Digital medicine programme (DMP) has improved adherence and outcomes for some conditions. AIMS To conduct a prospective, single-arm, open-label study across the United States to assess the impact of DMP on adherence and efficacy in adults with chronic HCV infection at high risk for non-adherence. METHODS Eligible participants were placed on the DMP to evaluate real-time adherence; primary outcome was sustained virological response (SVR) at ≥10 weeks post-treatment. RESULTS Between August 2017 and April 2019, 288 participants (Medicaid, 64.9%; psychiatric disorders, 61.1%; homeless, 9.4%) received DAAs for 8-12 weeks (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir or ledipasvir, 45%; glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, 55%). SVR was achieved in 99.1% of 218 participants who had HCV RNA assessed at ≥10 weeks post-treatment; of the 70 participants who did not have SVR assessed, 17 had SVR4 with HCV RNA assessed at a median (IQR; interquartile range) 5.6 weeks (4.1, 7.9) post-treatment; one completed treatment but did not have HCV RNA assessed, and 52 discontinued treatment early without assessment. Overall, the primary analysed participants (n = 218) actively used the DMP for median (range) 92.9% (12.5%, 100%) of their prescribed treatment time, and overall pill-taking adherence was 95.0% (57.1%, 100%). Participants reported the programme was useful and easy to use through satisfaction surveys. CONCLUSIONS HCV treatment with DMP was accepted by patients and clinicians and may support HCV treatment outcomes among patients at high risk for treatment non-adherence (Clinical trials.gov NCT03164902).
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18
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Provider Perceptions of Hepatitis C Treatment Adherence and Initiation. Dig Dis Sci 2020; 65:1324-1333. [PMID: 31642008 PMCID: PMC8108400 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-019-05877-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Significant disparities in hepatitis C (HCV) treatment existed in the interferon treatment era, such that patients with mental health and substance use disorders were less likely to be treated. We aimed to evaluate whether these perceptions continue to influence HCV treatment decisions. METHODS We e-mailed HCV providers a survey to assess their perceptions of barriers to HCV treatment adherence and initiation. We assessed the frequency of perceived barriers and willingness to initiate HCV treatment in patients with these barriers. We identified a group of providers more willing to treat patients with perceived barriers to adherence and determined the associated provider characteristics using Spearman's rho and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. RESULTS A total of 103 providers (29%) responded to the survey. The most commonly endorsed perceived barriers to adherence were homelessness (65%), ongoing drug (58%), and ongoing alcohol use (33%). However, 90%, 68%, and 90% of providers were still willing to treat patients with these comorbidities, respectively. Ongoing drug use was the most common reason providers were never or rarely willing to initiate HCV treatment. Providers who were less willing to initiate treatment more frequently endorsed patient-related determinants of adherence, while providers who were more willing to initiate treatment more frequently endorsed provider-based barriers to adherence (e.g., communication). CONCLUSIONS Most responding providers were willing to initiate HCV treatment in all patients, despite the presence of perceived barriers to adherence or previous contraindications to interferon-based treatments. Ongoing substance use remains the most prominent influencer in the decision not to treat.
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Surey J, Menezes D, Francis M, Gibbons J, Sultan B, Miah A, Abubakar I, Story A. From peer-based to peer-led: redefining the role of peers across the hepatitis C care pathway: HepCare Europe. J Antimicrob Chemother 2019; 74:v17-v23. [PMID: 31782500 PMCID: PMC6883389 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkz452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HCV infection disproportionately affects underserved populations such as homeless individuals, people who inject drugs and prison populations. Peer advocacy can enable active engagement with healthcare services and increase the likelihood of favourable treatment outcomes. OBJECTIVES This observational study aims to assess the burden of disease in these underserved populations and describe the role of peer support in linking these individuals to specialist treatment services. METHODS Services were identified if they had a high proportion of individuals with risk factors for HCV, such as injecting drug use or homelessness. Individuals were screened for HCV using point-of-care tests and a portable FibroScan. All positive cases received peer support for linkage to specialist care. Information was gathered on risk factors, demographics and follow-up information regarding linkage to care and treatment outcomes. RESULTS A total of 461 individuals were screened, of which 197 (42.7%) were chronically infected with HCV. Referral was made to secondary care for 176 (89.3%) and all received peer support, with 104 (52.8%) individuals engaged with treatment centres. Of these, 89 (85.6%) started treatment and 76 (85.4%) had a favourable outcome. Factors associated with not being approved for treatment were recent homelessness, younger age and current crack cocaine injecting. CONCLUSIONS Highly trained peer support workers working as part of a specialist outreach clinical team help to identify a high proportion of individuals exposed to HCV, achieve high rates of engagement with treatment services and maintain high rates of treatment success amongst a population with complex needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Surey
- Institute of Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- Find and Treat, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Dee Menezes
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK
| | - Marie Francis
- Institute of Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- Find and Treat, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - John Gibbons
- Find and Treat, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
- Groundswell, London, UK
| | - Binta Sultan
- Institute of Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Ibrahim Abubakar
- Institute of Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alistair Story
- Find and Treat, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
- Collaborative Centre for Inclusion Health, UCL, London, UK
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20
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Lazarus JV, Pericàs JM, Picchio C, Cernosa J, Hoekstra M, Luhmann N, Maticic M, Read P, Robinson EM, Dillon JF. We know DAAs work, so now what? Simplifying models of care to enhance the hepatitis C cascade. J Intern Med 2019; 286:503-525. [PMID: 31472002 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Globally, some 71 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Marginalized populations, particularly people who inject drugs (PWID), have low testing, linkage to care and treatment rates for HCV. Several models of care (MoCs) and service delivery interventions have the potential to improve outcomes across the HCV cascade of care, but much of the relevant research was carried out when interferon-based treatment was the standard of care. Often it was not practical to scale-up these earlier models and interventions because the clinical care needs of patients taking interferon-based regimens imposed too much of a financial and human resource burden on health systems. Despite the adoption of highly effective, all-oral direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies in recent years, approaches to HCV testing and treatment have evolved slowly and often remain rooted in earlier paradigms. The effectiveness of DAAs allows for simpler approaches and has encouraged countries where the drugs are widely available to set their sights on the ambitious World Health Organization (WHO) HCV elimination targets. Since a large proportion of chronically HCV-infected people are not currently accessing treatment, there is an urgent need to identify and implement existing simplified MoCs that speak to specific populations' needs. This article aims to: (i) review the evidence on MoCs for HCV; and (ii) distil the findings into recommendations for how stakeholders can simplify the path taken by chronically HCV-infected individuals from testing to cure and subsequent care and monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- J V Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - J M Pericàs
- Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Territorial Direction, Translational Research Group on Infectious Diseases of Lleida (TRIDLE), Biomedical Research Institute Dr Pifarré Foundation, Lleida, Spain
| | - C Picchio
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Cernosa
- Clinic for Infectious Diseases and Febrile Illnesses, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - M Hoekstra
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - N Luhmann
- Médecins du Monde France, Paris, France
| | - M Maticic
- Clinic for Infectious Diseases and Febrile Illnesses, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - P Read
- Kirketon Road Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - E M Robinson
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - J F Dillon
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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21
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Determinants of Hepatitis C Treatment Adherence and Treatment Completion Among Veterans in the Direct Acting Antiviral Era. Dig Dis Sci 2019; 64:3001-3012. [PMID: 30903364 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-019-05590-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the availability of direct acting antiviral medications (DAAs), there are ongoing concerns about adherence to hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment. We sought to understand the barriers to and facilitators of DAA adherence in the Veteran population. METHODS Patients completed semi-structured interviews focused on barriers to and facilitators of HCV treatment adherence both pre- and post-DAA treatment. Adherence was assessed via provider pill count and self-report. Thematic analyses were conducted in the qualitative software program Atlas.ti in order to understand anticipated barriers to and facilitators of treatment adherence and completion. Charts were reviewed for clinical data and sustained virologic response (SVR12). RESULTS Of 40 patients, 15 had cirrhosis and 10 had prior interferon-based treatment. Pre-treatment interviews revealed anticipated barriers to adherence such as side effects (n = 21) and forgetting pills (n = 11). Most patients (n = 27) reported following provider advice, and others had unique reasons not to (e.g., feeling like a "guinea pig"). Post-treatment interviews uncovered facilitators of treatment including wanting to cure HCV (n = 17), positive results (n = 18), and minimal side effects (n = 15). Three patients (8%) did not complete therapy (whom we further elaborate on) and 6 (15%) missed doses but completed treatment. SVR12 was achieved by all participants who completed therapy (93%). Patients who did not complete therapy or missed doses were all treatment naïve, mostly non-cirrhotic (8 of 9), and often anticipated concerns with forgetting their medications. CONCLUSIONS This qualitative study uncovered several unanticipated determinants of HCV treatment completion and provides rationale for several targeted interventions such as incorporating structured positive reinforcement.
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22
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Hickman M, Dillon JF, Elliott L, De Angelis D, Vickerman P, Foster G, Donnan P, Eriksen A, Flowers P, Goldberg D, Hollingworth W, Ijaz S, Liddell D, Mandal S, Martin N, Beer LJZ, Drysdale K, Fraser H, Glass R, Graham L, Gunson RN, Hamilton E, Harris H, Harris M, Harris R, Heinsbroek E, Hope V, Horwood J, Inglis SK, Innes H, Lane A, Meadows J, McAuley A, Metcalfe C, Migchelsen S, Murray A, Myring G, Palmateer NE, Presanis A, Radley A, Ramsay M, Samartsidis P, Simmons R, Sinka K, Vojt G, Ward Z, Whiteley D, Yeung A, Hutchinson SJ. Evaluating the population impact of hepatitis C direct acting antiviral treatment as prevention for people who inject drugs (EPIToPe) - a natural experiment (protocol). BMJ Open 2019; 9:e029538. [PMID: 31551376 PMCID: PMC6773339 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-029538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the second largest contributor to liver disease in the UK, with injecting drug use as the main risk factor among the estimated 200 000 people currently infected. Despite effective prevention interventions, chronic HCV prevalence remains around 40% among people who inject drugs (PWID). New direct-acting antiviral (DAA) HCV therapies combine high cure rates (>90%) and short treatment duration (8 to 12 weeks). Theoretical mathematical modelling evidence suggests HCV treatment scale-up can prevent transmission and substantially reduce HCV prevalence/incidence among PWID. Our primary aim is to generate empirical evidence on the effectiveness of HCV 'Treatment as Prevention' (TasP) in PWID. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We plan to establish a natural experiment with Tayside, Scotland, as a single intervention site where HCV care pathways are being expanded (including specialist drug treatment clinics, needle and syringe programmes (NSPs), pharmacies and prison) and HCV treatment for PWID is being rapidly scaled-up. Other sites in Scotland and England will act as potential controls. Over 2 years from 2017/2018, at least 500 PWID will be treated in Tayside, which simulation studies project will reduce chronic HCV prevalence among PWID by 62% (from 26% to 10%) and HCV incidence will fall by approximately 2/3 (from 4.2 per 100 person-years (p100py) to 1.4 p100py). Treatment response and re-infection rates will be monitored. We will conduct focus groups and interviews with service providers and patients that accept and decline treatment to identify barriers and facilitators in implementing TasP. We will conduct longitudinal interviews with up to 40 PWID to assess whether successful HCV treatment alters their perspectives on and engagement with drug treatment and recovery. Trained peer researchers will be involved in data collection and dissemination. The primary outcome - chronic HCV prevalence in PWID - is measured using information from the Needle Exchange Surveillance Initiative survey in Scotland and the Unlinked Anonymous Monitoring Programme in England, conducted at least four times before and three times during and after the intervention. We will adapt Bayesian synthetic control methods (specifically the Causal Impact Method) to generate the cumulative impact of the intervention on chronic HCV prevalence and incidence. We will use a dynamic HCV transmission and economic model to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the HCV TasP intervention, and to estimate the contribution of the scale-up in HCV treatment to observe changes in HCV prevalence. Through the qualitative data we will systematically explore key mechanisms of TasP real world implementation from provider and patient perspectives to develop a manual for scaling up HCV treatment in other settings. We will compare qualitative accounts of drug treatment and recovery with a 'virtual cohort' of PWID linking information on HCV treatment with Scottish Drug treatment databases to test whether DAA treatment improves drug treatment outcomes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Extending HCV community care pathways is covered by ethics (ERADICATE C, ISRCTN27564683, Super DOT C Trial clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02706223). Ethical approval for extra data collection from patients including health utilities and qualitative interviews has been granted (REC ref: 18/ES/0128) and ISCRCTN registration has been completed (ISRCTN72038467). Our findings will have direct National Health Service and patient relevance; informing prioritisation given to early HCV treatment for PWID. We will present findings to practitioners and policymakers, and support design of an evaluation of HCV TasP in England.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - John F Dillon
- Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Clinical & Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | | | - Daniela De Angelis
- MRC Biostatistics Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Graham Foster
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Peter Donnan
- Dundee Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | | | | | - David Goldberg
- Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
- Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Samreen Ijaz
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | | | - Sema Mandal
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Natasha Martin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, San Diego, UK
| | - Lewis J Z Beer
- Tayside Clinical Trials Unit, Tayside Medical Science Centre, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Kate Drysdale
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Hannah Fraser
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Rachel Glass
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | | | - Rory N Gunson
- West Of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Board, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Helen Harris
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | | | - Ross Harris
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | | | - Vivian Hope
- Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jeremy Horwood
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sarah Karen Inglis
- Tayside Clinical Trials Unit, Tayside Medical Science Centre, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Hamish Innes
- Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
- Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Athene Lane
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jade Meadows
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Andrew McAuley
- Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
- Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Chris Metcalfe
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | | | - Gareth Myring
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Norah E Palmateer
- Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
- Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Anne Presanis
- MRC Biostatistics Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrew Radley
- Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Clinical & Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
- Directorate of Public Health, NHS Tayside, Dundee, UK
| | - Mary Ramsay
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Pantelis Samartsidis
- MRC Biostatistics Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ruth Simmons
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Katy Sinka
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | | | - Zoe Ward
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Alan Yeung
- Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
- Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Sharon J Hutchinson
- Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
- Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
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23
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Crowley D, Cullen W, Lambert JS, Van Hout MC. Competing priorities and second chances - A qualitative exploration of prisoners' journeys through the Hepatitis C continuum of care. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0222186. [PMID: 31509571 PMCID: PMC6738615 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
High levels of undiagnosed and untreated HCV infection exist in prison populations globally. Prisons are a key location to identify, treat and prevent HCV infection among people who inject drugs (PWID). Understanding prisoners’ lived experiences of the HCV continuum of care informs how HCV care can be effectively delivered to this marginalised and high-risk population. This study aimed to explore Irish prisoners’ experience of prison and community-based HCV care. We conducted one-to-one interviews with 25 male prisoners with chronic HCV infection. Data collection and analysis was informed by grounded theory. The mean age of participants and first incarceration was 39.5 and 18.3 years respectively. The mean number of incarcerations was eight. The following themes were identified: medical and social factors influencing engagement (fear of treatment and lack of knowledge, HCV relevance and competing priorities), adverse impact of HCV on health and wellness, positive experience of prison life and health care and the transformative clinical and non-clinical changes associated with HCV treatment and cure. Findings suggest that prison release was associated with multiple stressors including homelessness and drug dependence which quickly eroded the health benefits gained during incarceration. The study generated a substantive theory of the need to increase the importance of HCV care among the routine competing priorities associated with the lives of PWID. HCV infected prisoners often lead complex lives and understanding their journeys through the HCV continuum can inform the development of meaningful HCV care pathways. Many challenges exist to optimising HCV treatment uptake in this group and incarceration is an opportunity to successfully engage HCV infected prisoners who underutilise and are underserved by community-based medical services. Support and linkage to care on release is essential to optimising HCV management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desmond Crowley
- Irish College of General Practitioners, Lincoln Place, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- * E-mail:
| | - Walter Cullen
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, 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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24
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Chikovani I, Ompad DC, Uchaneishvili M, Sulaberidze L, Sikharulidze K, Hagan H, Van Devanter NL. On the way to Hepatitis C elimination in the Republic of Georgia-Barriers and facilitators for people who inject drugs for engaging in the treatment program: A formative qualitative study. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216123. [PMID: 31034530 PMCID: PMC6488087 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant public health concern worldwide. Georgia is among the countries with a high burden of HCV infection. People who inject drugs (PWID) have the highest burden of infection in Georgia. In 2015, the Government of Georgia, with partners' support, initiated one of the world's first Hepatitis C Elimination Programs. Despite notable progress, challenges to achieving targets persist. This qualitative study is aimed to better understand some of the barriers and facilitators to HCV testing and treatment services for PWID to inform HCV treatment policies and practices. The study instrument examined social, structural, and individual factors influencing HCV testing and treatment practices. We started with key informant interviews to guide the study instrument development and compare the study findings against health care planners' and health care providers' views. Forty PWID with various HCV testing and treatment experiences were recruited through the snowball method. The study found that along with structural factors such as political commitment, co-financing of diagnostic and monitoring tests, and friendly clinic environments, knowledge about HCV infection and elimination program benefits, and support from family and peers also play facilitating roles in accessing testing and treatment services. On the other hand, inability to co-pay for diagnostic tests, fear of side effects associated with treatment, poor knowledge about HCV infection, and lack of social support hampered testing and treatment practices among PWID. Findings from this study are important for increasing the effectiveness of this unique program that targets a population at high risk of HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danielle C. Ompad
- College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States of America
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, New York University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | | | | | | | - Holly Hagan
- College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States of America
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, New York University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Nancy L. Van Devanter
- College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States of America
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, United States of America
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25
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Chahal HS, Peters MG, Harris AM, McCabe D, Volberding P, Kahn JG. Cost-effectiveness of Hepatitis B Virus Infection Screening and Treatment or Vaccination in 6 High-risk Populations in the United States. Open Forum Infect Dis 2018; 6:ofy353. [PMID: 30931346 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofy353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Two million individuals with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in the United States are at risk for premature death due to liver cancer and cirrhosis. CHB can be prevented by vaccination and controlled with treatment. Methods We created a lifetime Markov model to estimate the cost-effectiveness of strategies to prevent or treat CHB in 6 high-risk populations: foreign-born Asian/Pacific Islanders (API), Africa-born blacks (AbB), incarcerated, refugees, persons who inject drugs (PWID), and men who have sex with men (MSM). We studied 3 strategies: (a) screen for HBV infection and treat infected ("treatment only"), (b) screen for HBV susceptibility and vaccinate susceptible ("vaccination only"), and (c) screen for both and follow-up appropriately ("inclusive"). Outcomes were expressed in incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), clinical outcomes, and new infections. Results Vaccination-only and treatment-only strategies had ICERs of $6000-$21 000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained, respectively. The inclusive strategy added minimal cost with substantial clinical benefit, with the following costs per QALY gained vs no intervention: incarcerated $3203, PWID $8514, MSM $10 954, AbB $17 089, refugees $17 432, and API $18 009. Clinical complications dropped in the short/intermediate (1%-25%) and long (0.4%-16%) term. Findings were sensitive to age, discount rate, health state utility in immune or susceptible stages, progression rate to cirrhosis or inactive disease, and tenofovir cost. The probability of an inclusive program costing <$50 000 per QALY gained varied between 61% and 97% by population. Conclusions An inclusive strategy to screen and treat or vaccinate is cost-effective in reducing the burden of hepatitis B virus among all 6 high-risk, high-prevalence populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harinder S Chahal
- Consortium to Assess Prevention Economics, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Marion G Peters
- Consortium to Assess Prevention Economics, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Aaron M Harris
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Devon McCabe
- Consortium to Assess Prevention Economics, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Paul Volberding
- Consortium to Assess Prevention Economics, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - James G Kahn
- Consortium to Assess Prevention Economics, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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26
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Grebely J, Drolet M, Nwankwo C, Torrens M, Kastelic A, Walcher S, Somaini L, Mulvihill E, Ertl J, Liebert R, Litwin AH. Perceptions and self-reported competency related to testing, management and treatment of hepatitis C virus infection among physicians prescribing opioid agonist treatment: The C-SCOPE study. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2018; 63:29-38. [PMID: 30476876 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study evaluated competency related to HCV testing, management and treatment among physicians practicing in clinics offering opioid agonist treatment (OAT). METHODS C-SCOPE is a study consisting of a self-administered survey among physicians practicing at clinics providing OAT in Australia, Canada, Europe and USA between April-May 2017. A 7-point scale was used to measure < average competence (score >4 of 7) related to HCV testing, management and treatment. RESULTS Among 203 physicians (40% USA, 45% Europe, 14% Australia/Canada) 21% were addiction medicine specialists, 29% psychiatrists, and 70% were metro/urban [mean PWID managed, 51; years of experience, 11]. The majority perceived HCV testing (82%) and treatment (85%) among PWID as important. The minority reported < average competence with respect to regular screening (12%) and interpretation of HCV test results (14%), while greater proportions reported < average competence in advising patients about new HCV therapies (28%), knowledge of new treatments (37%), and treatment/management of HCV (40%). In adjusted analysis, factors independently associated with < average self-reported competency related to the ability to treat HCV and manage side effects included fewer years in medical practice, fewer numbers of patients treated for HCV infection in the past six months, not having obtained information on screening, diagnosing or treatment of HCV, not having attended any training on HCV in the past year, and not having read or consulted AASLD/IDSA, EASL or other guidelines for HCV. CONCLUSION Physicians treating HCV infection among PWID attending OAT clinics recognized the importance of HCV testing and treatment. However, self-perceived competency related to HCV management and treatment was low, highlighting the importance of improved HCV education and training among physicians practicing in clinics offering OAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | | | | | - Martha Torrens
- Department of Psychiatry, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Addiccions, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, IMIM (Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mediques), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrej Kastelic
- National Centre for the Treatment of Drug Addiction in Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Lorenzo Somaini
- Addiction Treatment Centre - Ser.D ASL BI - Local Health Unit, Biella, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Alain H Litwin
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine - Greenville, Greenville, SC, USA; Greenville Health System, Department of Medicine, Greenville, SC, USA; Clemson University School of Health Research, Clemson, SC, USA
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27
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Direct-acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C infection among people receiving opioid agonist treatment or heroin assisted treatment. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2018; 62:74-77. [PMID: 30368101 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treating chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among PWID (people who inject drugs) is crucial to achieve the WHO goal of HCV elimination, as this population is highly affected and carries a high risk of transmission. The aim of our study was to provide real-life data on HCV treatment among PWID either in opioid agonist treatment (OAT) or in heroin-assisted treatment (HAT) in a low-threshold access primary care-based addiction medicine institution. METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart analysis of patients treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAA) between 10/2014 and 08/2017 in the Arud outpatient clinics in Zurich, Switzerland. We reported patient and treatment characteristics and substance use. The outcomes were sustained virological response (SVR) by intention-to-treat (ITT) and modified ITT (mITT) analyses, excluding patients with missing SVR data. RESULTS We included 64 patients in our analysis. Forty-two (66%) were in OAT, and 22 (34%) were in HAT. Twenty-six patients (41%) reported harmful alcohol use, and 9 patients (14%) reported injecting drug use during DAA treatment. Every patient completed the treatment. Fifty-nine out of 64 achieved SVR resulting in an ITT SVR rate of 92.2%. Two patients had virological failure. Three patients were lost to follow-up between the end of treatment and SVR12 visit. Excluding these 3 patients, our study showed an mITT SVR rate of 96.7%. CONCLUSION PWID can be treated with DAA treatment integrated in OAT and HAT with an excellent SVR rate. OAT and HAT programs should offer integrated HCV treatment to their patients.
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Belackova V, Salmon AM, Schatz E, Jauncey M. Drug consumption rooms (DCRs) as a setting to address hepatitis C - findings from an international online survey. HEPATOLOGY, MEDICINE AND POLICY 2018; 3:9. [PMID: 30288332 PMCID: PMC6103962 DOI: 10.1186/s41124-018-0035-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) among people who inject drugs (PWID) is high. Risky injecting behaviours have been found to decrease in drug consumption rooms (DCRs) and supervised injecting facilities (SIFs), yet HCV prevention and treatment in these settings have not been extensively explored. METHODS To determine the range and scope of HCV prevention and treatment options in these services, we assessed DCR/SIF operational features, their clients' characteristics and the HCV-related services they provide. A comprehensive online survey was sent to the managers of the 91 DCRs/SIFs that were operating globally as of September 2016. A descriptive cross-country analysis of the main DCR/SIF characteristics was conducted and bivariate logistic models were used to assess factors associated with enhanced HCV service provision. RESULTS Forty-nine valid responses were retrieved from DCRs/SIFs in all countries where they were established at the time of the survey (Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Switzerland). Internationally, the operational capacities of DCRs/SIFs varied in terms of funding, location, size and staffing, but their clients all shared common features of vulnerability and marginalisation. Estimated HCV prevalence rates were around 60%. Among a range of health and social services and referrals to other programs, most DCRs/SIFs provided HCV testing onsite (65%) and/or offered liver monitoring or disease management (54%). HCV treatment onsite was offered or was planned to be offered by 21% of DCRs/SIFs. HCV testing onsite was associated with provision of other services addressing blood-borne diseases and HCV treatment was linked to the provision of OST. HCV disease management was associated with employing a nurse at a DCR/SIF and HCV treatment was associated with employing a medical doctor. CONCLUSIONS DCRs/SIFs offer easy-to-access HCV-related services for PWID. The availability of onsite medical professionals and provision of support and education to non-medical staff are key to enhanced provision of HCV-related services in DCRs/SIFs. Funding and support for HCV treatment at the community level, via low-threshold services such as DCRs/SIFs, are worthy of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vendula Belackova
- Uniting Sydney Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC), Sydney, Australia
| | - Allison M. Salmon
- Uniting Sydney Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC), Sydney, Australia
| | - Eberhard Schatz
- Correlation network, Foundation De Regenboog Groep, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marianne Jauncey
- Uniting Sydney Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC), Sydney, Australia
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia
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The Mexican consensus on the treatment of hepatitis C. REVISTA DE GASTROENTEROLOGÍA DE MÉXICO (ENGLISH EDITION) 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rgmxen.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
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Aiza-Haddad I, Ballesteros-Amozurrutia A, Borjas-Almaguer OD, Castillo-Barradas M, Castro-Narro G, Chávez-Tapia N, Chirino-Sprung RA, Cisneros-Garza L, Dehesa-Violante M, Flores-Calderón J, Flores-Gaxiola A, García-Juárez I, González-Huezo MS, González-Moreno EI, Higuera-de la Tijera F, Kershenobich-Stalnikowitz D, López-Méndez E, Malé-Velázquez R, Marín-López E, Mata-Marín JA, Méndez-Sánchez N, Monreal-Robles R, Moreno-Alcántar R, Muñoz-Espinosa L, Navarro-Alvarez S, Pavia-Ruz N, Pérez-Ríos AM, Poo-Ramírez JL, Rizo-Robles MT, Sánchez-Ávila JF, Sandoval-Salas R, Torre A, Torres-Ibarra R, Trejo-Estrada R, Velarde-Ruiz Velasco JA, Wolpert-Barraza E, Bosques-Padilla F. The Mexican consensus on the treatment of hepatitis C. REVISTA DE GASTROENTEROLOGÍA DE MÉXICO 2018; 83:275-324. [PMID: 29803325 DOI: 10.1016/j.rgmx.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the Mexican Consensus on the Treatment of HepatitisC was to develop clinical practice guidelines applicable to Mexico. The expert opinion of specialists in the following areas was taken into account: gastroenterology, infectious diseases, and hepatology. A search of the medical literature was carried out on the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases through keywords related to hepatitisC treatment. The quality of evidence was subsequently evaluated using the GRADE system and the consensus statements were formulated. The statements were then voted upon, using the modified Delphi system, and reviewed and corrected by a panel of 34 voting participants. Finally, the level of agreement was classified for each statement. The present guidelines provide recommendations with an emphasis on the new direct-acting antivirals, to facilitate their use in clinical practice. Each case must be individualized according to the comorbidities involved and patient management must always be multidisciplinary.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - O D Borjas-Almaguer
- Hospital Universitario «Dr. José Eleuterio González», Monterrey, Nuevo León, México
| | | | - G Castro-Narro
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | | | - L Cisneros-Garza
- Centro de Enfermedades Hepáticas del Hospital San José, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México
| | | | - J Flores-Calderón
- Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - I García-Juárez
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - E I González-Moreno
- Hospital Universitario «Dr. José Eleuterio González», Monterrey, Nuevo León, México
| | | | | | - E López-Méndez
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México
| | - R Malé-Velázquez
- Instituto de Salud Digestiva y Hepática, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
| | | | - J A Mata-Marín
- Hospital de Infectología del Centro Médico Nacional «La Raza», Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - R Monreal-Robles
- Hospital Universitario «Dr. José Eleuterio González», Monterrey, Nuevo León, México
| | | | - L Muñoz-Espinosa
- Hospital Universitario «Dr. José Eleuterio González», Monterrey, Nuevo León, México
| | | | - N Pavia-Ruz
- Hospital Infantil de México «Federico Gómez», Ciudad de México, México
| | - A M Pérez-Ríos
- Hospital Civil de Guadalajara Fray Antonio Alcalde, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
| | - J L Poo-Ramírez
- Clínica San Jerónimo de Salud Hepática y Digestiva, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - J F Sánchez-Ávila
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - A Torre
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México
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Hashim A, O’Sullivan M, Williams H, Verma S. Developing a community HCV service: project ITTREAT (integrated community-based test - stage - TREAT) service for people who inject drugs. Prim Health Care Res Dev 2018; 19:110-120. [PMID: 29199921 PMCID: PMC6452958 DOI: 10.1017/s1463423617000731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Majority of the individuals with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in England are people who inject drugs, a vulnerable and disenfranchised cohort with poor engagement with secondary care. Our aim is to describe our experiences in setting up a successful nurse led HCV service at a substance misuse service (SMS). METHODS We justify the need for a community HCV service and review the different community based models. Our experiences in engaging with stakeholders, obtaining funding, service set up, challenges faced and key recommendations are discussed. Finally, a summary of interim clinical outcomes is presented. RESULTS A successful community based "one-stop" nurse led HCV service was set up in Dec 2013 at a large SMS. It provides all aspects of care (blood borne virus screening, non-invasive assessment of hepatic fibrosis, Hepatology input, HCV treatment, peer mentor, social and psychiatrist support, and opiod substitution) at one site. Interim clinical data indicate high service uptake with HCV treatment outcomes comparable to secondary care. CONCLUSIONS The advent of direct acting antivirals provides a unique opportunity for HCV elimination in England by 2030. Our "one-stop" integrated and multidisciplinary community HCV model suggests that HCV care can be successfully delivered outside of a hospital setting and warrants national adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Hashim
- Department of Medicine, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Brighton and Sussex University Hospital, Brighton, UK
| | - Margaret O’Sullivan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Brighton and Sussex University Hospital, Brighton, UK
- Pavilions Drug & Alcohol Services, Richmond House, Brighton, UK
| | - Hugh Williams
- Pavilions Drug & Alcohol Services, Richmond House, Brighton, UK
- Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS foundation trust
| | - Sumita Verma
- Department of Medicine, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Brighton and Sussex University Hospital, Brighton, UK
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Felice AN, Alfredo A, Massimo A, Sergio B, Giorgio B, Pietro FD, Claudio L, Alfio L. For a program of eradication of hepatitis C in the populations at risk (drug users and convicts). ACTA BIO MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2018; 89. [PMCID: PMC6502081 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v89i10-s.7968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
Abstract
Injection drugs are the greater source for HCV infection. About 60% of drug users and about 20-30% of convicts are infected with HCV. HCV infection is often associated with behavioral disorders and drug use. At present, few subjects with HCV belonging to risk groups have been treated with Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs). SerDs and prisons should implement the screening for HCV. HCV populations at risk can be successfully treated with DAAs. The primary objective of the linkage to care is the holistic and integrated treatment, and the prevention of reinfections is a priority and essential part of the treatment goals. The removal of the barriers to treatment is a primary goal of the linkage-to-care models and integrated systems; the main action to be undertaken for the linkage to care of the HCV population at risk are screening, referral, treatment and prevention of reinfection. All HCV RNA+ patients may be eligible for treatment, and those with the clinical criteria for starting treatment should be treated with DAAs. All patients should receive a structured harm-reduction program (with skill training). The prevention of the infection is of paramount importance in the linkage to care of the HCV population at risk and is an element which should always be associated with the drug treatment. (www.actabiomedica.it)
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Nava Felice
- Director U.O. Sanità Penitenziaria, Azienda ULSS 6 Euganea, Padova, Director Scientific Comittee FeDerSerD,Correspondence: Felice Alfonso Nava Director U.O. Sanità Penitenziaria, Azienda ULSS 6 Euganea, Padova, Director Scientific Comittee FeDerSerD E-mail:
| | | | - Andreoni Massimo
- Professor of Infectious Diseases, Università degli Studi “Tor Vergata” Roma
| | - Babudieri Sergio
- Director Clinica Malattie Infettive e Tropicali, Università di Sassari, Honorary President SIMSPe
| | - Barbarini Giorgio
- Clinica Malattie Infettive e Tropicali Fondazione IRCCS San Matteo, Pavia, President Office CLEO
| | | | - Leonardi Claudio
- Director U.O.C. Patologie da Dipendenze ASL Roma 2, President S.I.Pa.D
| | - Lucchini Alfio
- Dipartimento di Salute Mentale e delle Dipendenze, ASST Melegnano e della Martesana (Città Metropolitana di Milano), Past President FeDerSerD
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Harm reduction-based and peer-supported hepatitis C treatment for people who inject drugs in Georgia. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2017; 52:16-19. [PMID: 29227878 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Alam I, Brown K, Donovan C, Forlenza J, Lauwers K, Mah'moud MA, Manch R, Mohanty SR, Prabhakar A, Reindollar R, DeMasi R, Slim J, Tandon N, Villadiego S, Naggie S. Real-World Effectiveness of Simeprevir-containing Regimens Among Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C Virus: The SONET Study. Open Forum Infect Dis 2016; 4:ofw258. [PMID: 28480251 PMCID: PMC5413999 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofw258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Simeprevir ObservatioNal Effectiveness across practice seTtings (SONET) study evaluated the real-world effectiveness of simeprevir-based treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Methods The SONET study was a phase 4, prospective, observational, United States–based study enrolling patients ≥18 years of age with chronic genotype 1 HCV infection. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved sustained virologic response 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12), defined as HCV ribonucleic acid undetectable ≥12 weeks after the end of all HCV treatments. Results Of 315 patients (intent-to-treat [ITT] population), 275 (87.3%) completed the study. Overall, 291 were treated with simeprevir + sofosbuvir, 17 with simeprevir + sofosbuvir + ribavirin, and 7 with simeprevir + peginterferon + ribavirin. The majority of patients were male (63.2%) and white (60.6%); median age was 58 years, 71.7% had genotype/subtype 1a, and 39.4% had cirrhosis. The SVR12 was achieved by 81.2% (255 of 314) of ITT patients (analysis excluded 1 patient who completed the study but was missing SVR12 data); 2 had viral breakthrough and 18 had viral relapse. The SVR12 was achieved by 92.4% (255 of 276) of patients in the modified ITT (mITT) population, which excluded patients who discontinued treatment for nonvirologic reasons before the SVR12 time point or were missing SVR12 assessment data. Among mITT patients, higher SVR12 rates were associated with factors including age ≥65 years, non-Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, and employment status, but not genotype/subtype nor presence of cirrhosis. Simeprevir-based treatment was well tolerated; no serious adverse events were considered related to simeprevir. Conclusions In the real-world setting, simeprevir + sofosbuvir treatment was common and 92% of mITT patients achieved SVR12. Simeprevir-based treatment was effective and well tolerated in this cohort, including patients with cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Mitchell A Mah'moud
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine/Department of Gastroenterology, Boice-Willis Clinic, Rocky Mount, North Carolina
| | - Richard Manch
- St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona
| | | | | | - Robert Reindollar
- Piedmont Healthcare, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Statesville, North Carolina
| | - Ralph DeMasi
- Janssen Scientific Affairs, Titusville, New Jersey
| | - Jihad Slim
- Department of Infectious Disease, Saint Michael's Medical Center, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Neeta Tandon
- Janssen Scientific Affairs, Titusville, New Jersey
| | | | - Susanna Naggie
- Durham VA Medical Center/Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
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Deterding K, Spinner CD, Schott E, Welzel TM, Gerken G, Klinker H, Spengler U, Wiegand J, Schulze Zur Wiesch J, Pathil A, Cornberg M, Umgelter A, Zöllner C, Zeuzem S, Papkalla A, Weber K, Hardtke S, von der Leyen H, Koch A, von Witzendorff D, Manns MP, Wedemeyer H. Ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir fixed-dose combination for 6 weeks in patients with acute hepatitis C virus genotype 1 monoinfection (HepNet Acute HCV IV): an open-label, single-arm, phase 2 study. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2016; 17:215-222. [PMID: 28029529 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(16)30408-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early treatment of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with interferon alfa is highly effective, but can be associated with frequent side-effects. We investigated the safety and efficacy of an interferon-free regimen for treatment of acute HCV infection. METHODS In this prospective, open-label, multicentre, single-arm pilot study, we enrolled adults (≥18 years) with acute HCV genotype 1 monoinfection from ten centres in Germany. Patients were given ledipasvir (90 mg) plus sofosbuvir (400 mg) as a fixed-dose combination tablet once daily for 6 weeks. The primary efficacy outcome was the proportion of patients with sustained virological response (defined as undetectable HCV RNA 12 weeks after the end of treatment; other primary outcomes were safety and tolerability of ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir. The primary analysis population consisted of all patients who received at least one dose of study drug. Safety was also assessed in all patients who received at least one dose of the study drug. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02309918. FINDINGS Between Nov 19, 2014, and Nov 10, 2015, we enrolled 20 patients. Median HCV RNA viral load at baseline was 4·04 log10 IU/mL (1·71-7·20); 11 patients were infected with HCV genotype 1a and nine patients with genotype 1b. All patients achieved a sustained virological response 12 weeks after the end of treatment (20 [100%] of 20 patients). Treatment was well tolerated; there were no drug-related serious adverse events. Up to 12 weeks after treatment, 22 possible or probable drug-related adverse events were reported. There was one serious adverse event, which was judged unrelated to the study drug; one patient was admitted to hospital for surgery of a ruptured cruciate ligament. INTERPRETATION Treatment for 6 weeks with ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir was well tolerated and highly effective in patients with acute HCV genotype 1 monoinfection. Short-duration treatment of acute hepatitis C might prevent the spread of HCV in high-risk populations. FUNDING Gilead Sciences, HepNet Study-House/German Liver Foundation, and German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF).
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Deterding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; HepNet Study-House, German Liver Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christoph D Spinner
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Klinikum rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany
| | - Eckart Schott
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tania M Welzel
- Department of Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Guido Gerken
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Hartwig Klinker
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Würzburg Medical Center, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Spengler
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Johannes Wiegand
- Department of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Section of Hepatology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Anita Pathil
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinic of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus Cornberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; HepNet Study-House, German Liver Foundation, Hannover, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Andreas Umgelter
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Klinikum rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany
| | - Caroline Zöllner
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Zeuzem
- Department of Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Kristina Weber
- Department of Biostatistics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Svenja Hardtke
- HepNet Study-House, German Liver Foundation, Hannover, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | - Armin Koch
- Department of Biostatistics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Michael P Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; HepNet Study-House, German Liver Foundation, Hannover, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; HepNet Study-House, German Liver Foundation, Hannover, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany.
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