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Mousavi S, Alavi M, Delavari A, Poustchi H, Mohammadi Z, Malekzadeh R. Towards hepatitis C virus elimination in Iran: A blueprint for comprehensive strategies. J Viral Hepat 2024; 31:565-572. [PMID: 38831601 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13975] [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: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Iran, mirroring a worldwide concern. This situation calls for a cohesive strategy that aligns with the World Health Organization's (WHO) goals for HCV elimination by 2030. Central to this strategy is targeting high-risk groups, notably people who inject drugs and prisoners, with prevention, screening and treatment. The deployment of point-of-care testing and treatments in prisons and harm reduction facilities is vital. The adoption of cost-effective generic direct-acting antivirals represents a major step forward. Furthermore, innovative educational initiatives for healthcare providers and awareness campaigns for the public are critical. Additionally, tackling stigma, ensuring treatment affordability and upholding strict surveillance and data management, coupled with ongoing policy reviews, are vital components. This comprehensive and integrated approach is designed to drive Iran towards eliminating HCV and can serve as a blueprint for other countries with similar challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- SeyedehFatemeh Mousavi
- Digestive Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Alavi
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Delavari
- Digestive Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Poustchi
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Mohammadi
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Malekzadeh
- Digestive Oncology Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Dzingirai B, Katsidzira L, Mwanesani V, Postma MJ, van Hulst M, Mafirakureva N. A cost analysis of a simplified model for HCV screening and treatment at a tertiary hospital in Zimbabwe. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2024; 24:687-695. [PMID: 38716801 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2024.2348055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection using directly acting antivirals was recently adopted in the treatment guidelines of Zimbabwe. The objectives of this study were to design a simplified model of HCV care and estimate the cost of screening and treatment of hepatitis C infection at a tertiary hospital in Zimbabwe. METHODS We developed a model of care for HCV using WHO 2018 guidelines for the treatment of HCV infection and expert opinion. We then performed a micro-costing to estimate the costs of implementing the model of care from the healthcare sector perspective. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to explore the impact of uncertainty in input parameters on the estimated total cost of care. RESULTS The total cost of screening and treatment was estimated to be US$2448 (SD=$290) per patient over a 12-week treatment duration using sofosbuvir/velpatasvir. The cost of directly acting antivirals contributed 57.5% to the total cost of care. The second largest cost driver was the cost of diagnosis, US$819, contributing 34.6% to the total cost of care. CONCLUSION Screening and treatment of HCV-infected individuals using directly acting antivirals at a tertiary hospital in Zimbabwe may require substantial financial resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blessing Dzingirai
- Unit of Global Health, Department of Health Sciences, Üniversity of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Leolin Katsidzira
- Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Vongai Mwanesani
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Maarten Jacobus Postma
- Unit of Global Health, Department of Health Sciences, Üniversity of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marinus van Hulst
- Unit of Global Health, Department of Health Sciences, Üniversity of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Toxicology, Martini Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nyashadzaishe Mafirakureva
- Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Faghihi SH, Azarbakhsh H, Piraee E. Epidemiological study of hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province (Iran) from 2008 to 2021: A cross-sectional study. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e1812. [PMID: 38328787 PMCID: PMC10848580 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Viral hepatitis is one of the top five reasons people die from infections all around the world. The present study aimed to assess the epidemiological features of hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province. Methods The data were obtained via the census method from the registered hepatitis B and hepatitis C data in the reportable disease care system of Yasuj University of Medical Sciences. The collected data are the result of serological tests. The χ 2 test was used to evaluate the important risk factors for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The joinpoint regression was performed to investigate the trend of HBV and HCV in recent years. Results Here, 1270 cases of hepatitis B and C were identified and reported in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province from 2008 to 2021. The median age of patients was 38 (interquartile range: 31-51), varying significantly according to the type of hepatitis. The most common hepatitis in males was hepatitis C and in females, hepatitis B. Regarding the place of residence, HBV and HCV were both more prevalent in urban areas. The age group of 25-34 years has the highest prevalence of HBV and HCV. According to the joinpoint regression analysis, there is a decrease in the 14-year trend of incidence rate due to total hepatitis B and C: the annual percent change was -5.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: -8.4 to -1.9, p = 0.005) for hepatitis B and -0.2% (95% CI: -10.7 to 11.6, p = 0.976) for hepatitis C. Conclusion This study shows the incidence rate of hepatitis B has been decreasing during the years of study but this trend has been stable for hepatitis C. Also, the highest number of cases of hepatitis B and C were reported in the age groups of 25-34 years. Hence, preventive interventions are vital in reducing the burden of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayed H. Faghihi
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Social Determinants of Health Research CenterYasuj University of Medical SciencesYasujIran
| | - Habibollah Azarbakhsh
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of HealthAhvaz Jundishapur University of Medical SciencesAhvazIran
| | - Elahe Piraee
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Social Determinants of Health Research CenterYasuj University of Medical SciencesYasujIran
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Babigumira JB, Karichu JK, Clark S, Cheng MM, Garrison LP, Maniecki MB, Hamid SS. Assessing the potential cost-effectiveness of centralised versus point-of-care testing for hepatitis C virus in Pakistan: a model-based comparison. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e066770. [PMID: 37142306 PMCID: PMC10163545 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pakistan has a hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection prevalence of 6%-9% and aims to achieve World Health Organisation (WHO) targets for elimination of HCV by the year 2030. We aim to evaluate the potential cost-effectiveness of a reference laboratory-based (centralised laboratory testing; CEN) confirmatory testing approach versus a molecular near-patient point-of-care (POC) confirmatory approach to screen the general population for HCV in Pakistan. STUDY DESIGN We used a decision tree-analytic model from a governmental (formal healthcare sector) perspective. STUDY SETTING Individuals were assumed to be initially screened with an anti-HCV test at home, followed by POC nucleic acid test (NAT) at nearby district hospitals or followed by NAT at centralised laboratories. PARTICIPANTS We included the general testing population for chronic HCV in Pakistan. INTERVENTION Screening with an anti-HCV antibody test (Anti-HCV) followed by either POC NAT (Anti-HCV-POC), or reference laboratory NAT (Anti-HCV-CEN), was compared, using data from published literature and the Pakistan Ministry of Health. MEASURES Outcome measures included: number of HCV infections identified per year, percentage of individuals correctly classified, total costs, average costs per individual tested, and cost-effectiveness (assessed as cost per additional HCV infection identified). Sensitivity analysis was also performed. RESULTS At a national level (25 million annual screening tests), the Anti-HCV-CEN strategy would identify 142 406 more HCV infections in 1 year and increase correct classification of individuals by 0.57% compared with the Anti-HCV-POC strategy. The total annual cost of HCV testing was reduced using the Anti-HCV-CEN strategy by US$7.68 million (US$0.31/person). Thus, incrementally, the Anti-HCV-CEN strategy costs less and identifies more HCV infections than Anti-HCV-POC. The incremental difference in HCV infections identified was most sensitive to the probability of loss to follow-up (for POC confirmatory NAT). CONCLUSIONS Anti-HCV-CEN would provide the best value for money when scaling up HCV testing in Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph B Babigumira
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Samantha Clark
- The Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics (CHOICE) Institute, University of Washington Seattle Campus, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Mindy M Cheng
- Roche Molecular Systems Inc, Pleasanton, California, USA
| | - Louis P Garrison
- The Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics (CHOICE) Institute, University of Washington Seattle Campus, Seattle, Washington, USA
- VeriTech Corporation, Mercer Island, Washington, USA
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Busschots D, Kremer C, Bielen R, Koc ÖM, Heyens L, Nevens F, Hens N, Robaeys G. Hepatitis C prevalence in incarcerated settings between 2013–2021: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2159. [PMID: 36419013 PMCID: PMC9685883 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14623-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The introduction of highly effective direct-acting antiviral therapy has changed the hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment paradigm. However, a recent update on HCV epidemiology in incarcerated settings is necessary to accurately determine the extent of the problem, provide information to policymakers and public healthcare, and meet the World Health Organization's goals by 2030. This systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to determine the prevalence of HCV Ab and RNA in incarcerated settings. Methods For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science for papers published between January 2013 and August 2021. We included studies with information on the prevalence of HCV Ab or RNA in incarcerated settings. A random-effects meta-analysis was done to calculate the pooled prevalence and meta-regression to explore heterogeneity. Results Ninety-two unique sources reporting data for 36 countries were included. The estimated prevalence of HCV Ab ranged from 0.3% to 74.4%. HCV RNA prevalence (available in 46 sources) ranged from 0% to 56.3%. Genotypes (available in 19 sources) 1(a) and 3 were most frequently reported in incarcerated settings. HCV/HIV coinfection (available in 36 sources) was highest in Italy, Estonia, Pakistan, and Spain. Statistical analysis revealed that almost all observed heterogeneity reflects real differences in prevalence between studies, considering I2 was very high in the meta-analysis. Conclusions HCV in incarcerated settings is still a significant problem with a higher prevalence than in the general population. It is of utmost importance to start screening for HCV (Ab and RNA) in incarcerated settings to give clear, reliable and recent figures to plan further treatment. This is all in the context of meeting the 2030 WHO targets which are only less than a decade away. Trial registration PROSPERO: CRD42020162616 Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-14623-6.
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Chen B, Gao LY, Ma ZH, Chang H, Pei LJ, Zhou Q, Xing WG. The signal-to-cutoff ratios to predict HCV infection among people who inject drugs. Virusdisease 2022; 33:363-370. [PMID: 36278030 PMCID: PMC9579682 DOI: 10.1007/s13337-022-00797-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
People who inject drugs (PWIDs) are primarily the high-risk population for HCV infection. This study aims to determine the optimal cut-off values for predicting HCV infection status based on the Signal-to-Cutoff (S/CO) ratio. In this study, a total of 719 PWIDs’ samples were collected, and performed for screening test by ELISA assay, and followed by RIBA assay and NAT assay to detect HCV antibody and HCV RNA levels, respectively. The findings revealed that the prevalence of HCV infection among PWIDs was 54.66% (393/719), and the false-positive rate of HCV antibody detection by ELISA assay among PWIDs was only 3.85% (16/416). In addition, when the optimal cut-off value for S/CO ratio was 2.0, the sensitivity and specificity of HCV antibody were 100.00% and 93.55%, respectively. And when the optimal cut-off value for S/CO ratio was 21.36, the sensitivity and specificity of HCV RNA positive were 89.90% and 72.73%, respectively. In conclusion, the status of HCV infection can be predicted based on the S/CO ratios of the ELISA assay, which can improve diagnosis and facilitate timely treatment to effectively prevent the spread of HCV infection.
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Rosenthal T, Touyz RM, Oparil S. Migrating Populations and Health: Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease and Metabolic Syndrome. Curr Hypertens Rep 2022; 24:325-340. [PMID: 35704140 PMCID: PMC9198623 DOI: 10.1007/s11906-022-01194-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize results of recent studies of migrants in Europe and North America and ongoing efforts to adapt strategies to provide them with inclusive sensitive health care. RECENT FINDINGS Major predisposing factors for developing hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and the metabolic syndrome in migrating populations and refugees were identified. Susceptibility to the metabolic syndrome is predominantly due to environmental factors and psychological stress. Acculturation also contributes to the emergence of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in first-generation adult immigrants. Increased risk for later development of hypertension and dyslipidemia has also been detected in adolescent immigrants. Targets for public health efforts were based on data that show important differences in CV risk factors and prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among ethnic immigrant groups. Studies in young adults focused on lifestyle and dietary behaviors and perceptions about weight and body image, while the focus for older adults was end-of-life issues. Two important themes have emerged: barriers to health care, with a focus on cultural and language barriers, and violence and its impact on immigrants' mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talma Rosenthal
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Rhian M Touyz
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Suzanne Oparil
- Vascular Biology & Hypertension Program, Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0007, USA.
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Global prevalence of hepatitis C in prisoners: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Virol 2022; 167:1025-1039. [PMID: 35165781 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-022-05382-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV), one of the most significant causes of liver inflammation, has a high annual mortality rate. The unfavorable hygiene conditions and inadequate health monitoring in many prisons increase the risk of blood-borne infections such as hepatitis C. The growing incidence of this disease among prisoners results in overspill transmission to the general population from undiagnosed prisoners that have been released. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis C among the world's prison population. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on the prevalence of hepatitis C was carried out using the keywords "Prevalence", "Hepatitis C", and "Prisoner" in the Iranian and international databases SID, MagIran, Iran Doc, Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science (WoS) from January 1990 to September 2020. After transferring the articles to the information management software EndNote and eliminating duplicate studies, the remaining studies were reviewed based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, three stages of primary and secondary evaluation, and qualitative evaluation. Comprehensive meta-analysis software and Begg and Mazumdar and I2 tests were used for data analysis and assessment of dissemination bias, and heterogeneity, respectively. Out of 93 studies (22 from Asia, 26 from Europe, seven from Africa, 29 from America, and nine from Australia) with a total sample size of 145,823 subjects, the prevalence of hepatitis C in prisoners worldwide was estimated to be 17.7% (95% confidence interval, 15-20.7%). The highest prevalence of hepatitis C on the continents included in this study was reported in prisoners incarcerated in Australia and Oceania, with 28.4% (95% CI: 21.6-36.4) in nine studies, and Europe, with 25.1% (95% CI: 19.4-31.8) in 26 studies. All studies used an ELISA test for the detection of HCV antibodies. The results showed a prevalence of HCV of 17.7% in prisoners worldwide, ranging between 10 and 30% over five continents (Asia, Europe, America, Africa, and Australia and Oceania). The highest prevalence was reported in Australia and Oceania (28.4%), indicating the need to pay more attention to this issue on the continent. It is necessary to reduce the incidence of the disease in prisons by appropriate policy-making and the development of accurate and practical programs, including the distribution of free syringes and examination, testing, and screening of prisoners.
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Hariri S, Davari S, Malekzadeh Z, Mohammadi Z, Masoudi S, Gandomkar A, Amini-Kafiabad S, Maghsoudloo M, Merat S, Poustchi H, Malekzadeh F. Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Infections and Associated Risk Factors in Pars Cohort Study, Southern Iran. Middle East J Dig Dis 2021; 13:95-102. [PMID: 34712446 PMCID: PMC8531928 DOI: 10.34172/mejdd.2021.211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV) infections rank among the most frequent infectious diseases with a rising worldwide burden. However, their epidemiology and risk factors are understudied in many regions, including Iran. METHODS This study was conducted as part of the Pars Cohort Study (PCS) in Valashahr district, Fars province (2012-2014). Participants received venipuncture for HBsAg and HCV antibody, followed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing. All infected people and their comparison groups completed a risk assessment questionnaire. RESULTS Overall, 9,269 people participated in the study; the majority were women and of Fars ethnicity. Prevalence of HBsAg and HCV antibody was 2.3% (n = 215) and 0.3% (n = 26), from whom 23% (n = 47) and 13% (n = 3) had indications for treatment, respectively. During follow-up, among HBsAg-positive individuals who were not on treatment, 62% tested negative for HBsAg, and in 2% HBV DNA had risen to treatment levels. Risk factors for HBV infection were illiteracy [OR = 3.43, 95% CI = 1.1, 10.3], and Turk ethnicity compared to Fars [OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.1, 2.3]. History of blood transfusion [OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.1, 3.5] and history of drug use [OR = 2.85, 95% CI = 1.1, 7.4] were associated with HCV infection, after adjustment. CONCLUSION Further epidemiological studies are needed to identify at-risk populations in different regions. Preventive interventions, including educational programs and transfusion safety strategies, are crucial for reducing the hepatitis burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanam Hariri
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Digestive Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sabereh Davari
- MPH Department, Shiraz Medical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zeinab Malekzadeh
- Digestive Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Non-communicable Disease Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Mohammadi
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Masoudi
- Digestive Oncology Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdullah Gandomkar
- Non-communicable Disease Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Amini-Kafiabad
- Iran Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahtab Maghsoudloo
- Iran Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahin Merat
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Digestive Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Poustchi
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Malekzadeh
- Digestive Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Non-communicable Disease Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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An intervention to increase hepatitis C virus diagnosis and treatment uptake among people in custody in Iran. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 95:103269. [PMID: 33991887 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Iran is among countries with high opioid agonist therapy (OAT) coverage in prisons, which provides an infrastructure to increase feasibility of HCV programs. We aimed to evaluate the impact of an intervention to improve HCV screening, diagnosis, and treatment, including alongside the provision of OAT, in an Iranian prison. METHODS During July-December 2018, in the Gorgan prison, all incarcerated adults (>18 years) received HCV antibody rapid testing and, if positive, provided a venepuncture sample for HCV RNA testing. Participants with positive RNA received direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy [(Sofosbuvir/Daclatasvir) for 24 or 12 weeks, respectively, for those with and without cirrhosis]. Response to treatment was measured by the sustained virological response at 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12). RESULTS Among 2015 incarcerated people with a median age of 35 years (IQR:29-41), the majority were male (97%), had not finished high school (68%), and had a history of drug use (71%), of whom 15% had ever injected drugs. A third of participants were receiving OAT, including 54% of those who had ever injected. HCV antibody prevalence was 6.7%, and RNA was detected in 4.6% of all participants; this prevalence was 32.6% and 24.7% among those with a history of injection, respectively. Treatment uptake was 82% (75/92) and was similar among people on OAT and those with a history of injection (81%). The majority completed treatment in prison and were available for SVR12 assessment (71%, 53/75). Achieved SVR12 was 100% (53/53) based on the available case analysis; those who did not have available SVR12 were released either prior to treatment initiation or completion (n = 39). CONCLUSION The availability of OAT infrastructure should be considered as an opportunity for enhancing HCV care in prisons. Where resources are limited, the prison harm reduction network could be used to design targeted HCV programs among people who are at higher risk of infection.
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Hariri S, Sharafi H, Sheikh M, Merat S, Hashemi F, Azimian F, Tamadoni B, Ramazani R, Gouya MM, Abbasi B, Tashakorian M, Alasvand R, Alavian SM, Poustchi H, Malekzadeh R. Continuum of hepatitis C care cascade in prison and following release in the direct-acting antivirals era. Harm Reduct J 2020; 17:80. [PMID: 33081794 PMCID: PMC7576794 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-020-00431-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with criminal justice involvement contribute remarkably to the rising hepatitis C virus (HCV) burden; however, the continuum of care is a major barrier to prison-based programs. We aimed to evaluate a comprehensive HCV care model in an Iranian provincial prison. METHODS Between 2017-2018, in the Karaj Central Prison, newly admitted male inmates received HCV antibody testing and venipuncture for RNA testing (antibody-positive only). Participants with positive RNA underwent direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy (Sofosbuvir/Daclatasvir). Sustained virological response was evaluated at 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12). RESULTS Overall, from 3485 participants, 182 (5.2%) and 117 (3.4%) tested positive for HCV antibody and RNA, respectively. Among 116 patients who were eligible for treatment, 24% (n = 28) were released before treatment and 72% (n = 83) initiated DAA therapy, of whom 81% (n = 67/83) completed treatment in prison, and the rest were released. Of total released patients, 68% (n = 30/44) were linked to care in community, and 70% (n = 21/30) completed treatment, including 60% (n = 12/20) and 90% (n = 9/10) among those who were released before and during treatment, respectively. The overall HCV treatment uptake and completion were 89% (n = 103/116) and 85% (n = 88/103), respectively. From people who completed treatment, 43% (n = 38/88) attended for response assessment and all were cured (SVR12 = 100%). CONCLUSIONS Integrated HCV care models are highly effective and can be significantly strengthened by post-release interventions. The close collaboration of community and prison healthcare systems is crucial to promote high levels of treatment adherence. Future studies should investigate the predictors of engagement with HCV care following release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanam Hariri
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, N. Kargar St., 14117, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mahdi Sheikh
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, N. Kargar St., 14117, Tehran, Iran
- Section of Genetics, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Shahin Merat
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, N. Kargar St., 14117, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farnaz Hashemi
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, N. Kargar St., 14117, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Azimian
- Centre for Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Babak Tamadoni
- Health and Treatment Directorate of Prisons and Security and Corrective Measures Organization, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rashid Ramazani
- Centre for Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Gouya
- Centre for Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behzad Abbasi
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, N. Kargar St., 14117, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrzad Tashakorian
- Health and Treatment Directorate of Prisons and Security and Corrective Measures Organization, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramin Alasvand
- Health and Treatment Directorate of Prisons and Security and Corrective Measures Organization, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Hossein Poustchi
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, N. Kargar St., 14117, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Reza Malekzadeh
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, N. Kargar St., 14117, Tehran, Iran
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