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Urbanoski KA, van Roode T, Selfridge M, Hogan KC, Fraser J, Lock K, McGreevy PB, Burmeister C, Barker B, Slaunwhite A, Nosyk B, Pauly B. Access and barriers to safer supply prescribing during a toxic drug emergency: a mixed methods study of implementation in British Columbia, Canada. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2024; 19:44. [PMID: 39285270 PMCID: PMC11406709 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-024-00625-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In March 2020, British Columbia, Canada, introduced prescribed safer supply involving the distribution of pharmaceutical grade alternatives to the unregulated toxic drug supply. Prior research has demonstrated positive impacts on overdose mortality, but with limited reach to people who use substances. Objectives of this study were to (1) identify barriers to accessing safer supply prescribing among people who use substances; and (2) determine whether and how barriers differed between people with and without prescriptions, and between urban and rural settings. METHODS We conducted a participatory mixed-methods study guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Participants (≥ 19 years old) had received a safer supply prescription or were seeking one (survey n = 353; interviews n = 54). RESULTS Participants who had a prescription were more likely to be living in a large urban centre, compared to medium/smaller centres and rural areas (78.5% vs. 65.8%, standardized mean difference = 0.286). Participants who did not have a prescription were more likely to report an array of structural, interpersonal, and health-related barriers (compared to those who had a prescription). In interviews, participants linked experiences of barriers to stigma and criminalization, low availability of services, lack of information and prescribers, not being able to get what they need, and anxieties, worries and doubts stemming from personal circumstances. There were no notable differences between large urban centres and medium/smaller centres and rural areas in the presence of specific types of barriers. CONCLUSIONS Findings demonstrate restricted access to safer supply prescribing outside of large urban centres and provide future targets for enhancing implementation. Attention is needed to promote equity and counter systemic barriers in the implementation of responses to the ongoing toxic drug emergency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen A Urbanoski
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 2Y2, Canada.
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y2, Canada.
| | - Thea van Roode
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Marion Selfridge
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Katherine C Hogan
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - James Fraser
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Kurt Lock
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, 655 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
| | - Phoenix Beck McGreevy
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Charlene Burmeister
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, 655 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
| | - Brittany Barker
- First Nations Health Authority, 540-757 West Hastings St, Vancouver, BC, V6C 1A1, Canada
| | - Amanda Slaunwhite
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, 655 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
- School of Public and Population Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Bohdan Nosyk
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, St. Paul's Hospital, 570-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr., Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Bernadette Pauly
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 2Y2, Canada
- School of Nursing, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y2, Canada
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Sileci ACB, Cioffi CC, Trevino S, Fernandes L, Capron CG, Mauricio AM. Colocation of COVID-19 Vaccination Services at Syringe Service Programs for People Who Inject Drugs and People Experiencing Houselessness in Oregon. Public Health Rep 2024:333549241271720. [PMID: 39248220 DOI: 10.1177/00333549241271720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Integrating vaccination services with other essential health services could increase vaccination rates among socially marginalized populations. We examined the associations between colocation of vaccines at syringe service programs and COVID-19 vaccination status among people who inject drugs and people experiencing houselessness. METHODS This study included 1891 participants aged ≥18 years at 9 sites in Oregon from July 2021 through March 2022. Participants self-reported whether they had ever received ≥1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. We calculated site-level COVID-19 vaccine availability and overall vaccination rates. We compared site-level vaccination rates and analyzed the association between vaccine availability and vaccination status. RESULTS We found no significant difference in vaccination rates between sites that did and did not offer COVID-19 vaccines (t7 = -0.33; P = .75). We also found no significant association between vaccine availability and vaccination status. However, the odds of having received a COVID-19 vaccine were 2.79 times higher for each additional site visit during which COVID-19 vaccines were available (odds ratio [OR] = 2.79; 95% CI, 2.18-3.58; P < .001). The association between vaccine availability and vaccine status was not moderated by participant age (OR = 1.03; 95% CI, 0.99-1.07; P = .13) or housing instability (OR = 0.59; 95% CI, 0.13-2.60; P = .48). CONCLUSIONS Colocating COVID-19 vaccines at syringe service programs was only positively associated with vaccination status if vaccines were offered frequently on-site. Future work should examine whether the frequency of offering vaccination services increases willingness to engage in vaccination and examine trust and convenience as potential mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camille C Cioffi
- Prevention Science Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Shaina Trevino
- Prevention Science Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
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Havens JR, Lofwall MR, Young AM, Staton M, Schaninger T, Fraser H, Vickerman P, Walsh SL. Predictors of engagement in screening for a hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment trial in a rural Appalachian community. J Viral Hepat 2024; 31:293-299. [PMID: 38436098 PMCID: PMC11102319 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
An HCV treatment trial was initiated in September 2019 to address the opioid/hepatitis C virus (HCV) syndemic in rural Kentucky. The focus of the current analysis is on participation in diagnostic screening for the trial. Initial eligibility (≥18 years of age, county resident) was established by phone followed by in-person HCV viremia testing. 900 rural residents met the inclusion criteria and comprised the analytic sample. Generalized linear models were specified to estimate the relative risk of non-attendance at the in-person visit determining HCV eligibility. Approximately one-quarter (22.1%) of scheduled participants were no-shows. People who inject drugs were no more likely than people not injecting drugs to be a no-show; however, participants ≤35 years of age were significantly less likely to attend. While the median time between phone screening and scheduled in-person screening was only 2 days, each additional day increased the odds of no-show by 3% (95% confidence interval: 2%-3%). Finally, unknown HCV status predicted no-show even after adjustment for age, gender, days between screenings and injection status. We found that drug injection did not predict no-show, further justifying expanded access to HCV treatment among people who inject drugs. Those 35 years and younger were more likely to no-show, suggesting that younger individuals may require targeted strategies for increasing testing and treatment uptake. Finally, streamlining the treatment cascade may also improve outcomes, as participants in the current study were more likely to attend if there were fewer days between phone screening and scheduled in-person screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R. Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY USA
| | - Michelle R. Lofwall
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY USA
| | - April M. Young
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY USA
| | - Michele Staton
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY USA
| | - Takako Schaninger
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY USA
| | - Hannah Fraser
- Bristol Population Health Sciences Institute, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Bristol Population Health Sciences Institute, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon L. Walsh
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY USA
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Aponte-Meléndez Y, Eckhardt B, Fong C, Padilla A, Trinidad-Martínez W, Maldonado-Rodríguez E, Agront N, Mateu-Gelabert P. Prevalence and associated risk factors of hepatitis C antibody and RNA among people who inject drugs in Puerto Rico. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024; 160:209308. [PMID: 38301921 PMCID: PMC11060894 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2024.209308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As a public health crisis, hepatitis C viral infection (HCV) is highly prevalent among people who inject drugs (PWID). We aimed to assess factors associated with HCV antibody (Ab) and HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) positivity among PWID in Puerto Rico. METHODS The study recruited a total of 150 persons in rural and peri-urban community settings through the respondent-driven sampling method and administered a structured questionnaire. We conducted HIV and HCV testing using dried blood spots (DBS). We examined correlates of HCV infection with sociodemographics, drug use patterns, and injection practices using regression in bivariate and multivariable analysis. RESULTS Of the 150 participants, 89 % were male; 11 % were female; 72 % identified as mixed race; and the median duration of drug injection was 17.8 years. The mean age was 43.1 years, with 64 % of the population being from 23 to 45 years old. Among study participants (n = 150), the prevalence of HCV Ab was 73 %, and HCV RNA was 53 %. Factors significantly associated with HCV Ab and RNA included older age, increasing years of injection, incarceration, injecting other people, and identifying as Black. The belief that syringe air blowing reduces HCV transmission was also independently associated with HCV Ab positivity. CONCLUSIONS Our findings regarding risk factors associated with HCV infection show the need to enhance prevention and control strategies for reducing transmission among PWID. Direct-acting antiviral treatment, sustained access to harm reduction, and culturally tailored services will be required to substantially reduce rates of HCV. Community-based treatment models and treatment in correctional settings are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesenia Aponte-Meléndez
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), 55 West 125(th) street, New York, NY 10027, USA; NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, 433 1(st) Ave., New York, NY, 10010, USA.
| | - Benjamin Eckhardt
- New York University School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | - Chunki Fong
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), 55 West 125(th) street, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| | - Adriana Padilla
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), 55 West 125(th) street, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| | - Wanda Trinidad-Martínez
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), 55 West 125(th) street, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| | - Eric Maldonado-Rodríguez
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), 55 West 125(th) street, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| | - Nancy Agront
- AbbVie Corp., Paseo Caribe Building Suite 22415 Ave Munoz Rivera San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico.
| | - Pedro Mateu-Gelabert
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), 55 West 125(th) street, New York, NY 10027, USA.
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Cunningham NE, Lamb J, Staller A, Krajden M, Hogg RS, Towle A, Lima VD, Salters K. Expanding access to healthcare for people who use drugs and sex workers: hepatitis C elimination implications from a qualitative study of healthcare experiences in British Columbia, Canada. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:75. [PMID: 38575970 PMCID: PMC10996275 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-00991-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major health threat in Canada. In British Columbia (BC) province, 1.6% of the population had been exposed to HCV by 2012. Prevalence and incidence of HCV are very high in populations of people who use drugs (PWUD) and sex workers (SW), who may experience unique barriers to healthcare. Consequently, they are less likely to be treated for HCV. Overcoming these barriers is critical for HCV elimination. This research sought to explore the healthcare experiences of PWUD and SW and how these experiences impact their willingness to engage in healthcare in the future, including HCV care. METHODS Interpretive Description guided this qualitative study of healthcare experiences in BC, underpinned by the Health Stigma and Discrimination framework. The study team included people with living/lived experience of drug use, sex work, and HCV. Twenty-five participants completed in-depth semi-structured interviews on their previous healthcare and HCV-related experiences. Thematic analysis was used to identify common themes. RESULTS Three major themes were identified in our analysis. First, participants reported common experiences of delay and refusal of care by healthcare providers, with many negative healthcare encounters perceived as rooted in institutional culture reflecting societal stigma. Second, participants discussed their choice to engage in or avoid healthcare. Many avoided all but emergency care following negative experiences in any kind of healthcare. Third, participants described the roles of respect, stigma, dignity, fear, and trust in communication in healthcare relationships. CONCLUSIONS Healthcare experiences shared by participants pointed to ways that better understanding and communication by healthcare providers could support positive change in healthcare encounters of PWUD and SW, who are at high risk of HCV infection. More positive healthcare encounters could lead to increased healthcare engagement which is essential for HCV elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nance E Cunningham
- HIV/AIDS Drug Treatment Program, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 170-6371 Crescent Road, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z2, Canada
| | - Jessica Lamb
- AIDS Network Kootenay Outreach and Support Society, 209a 16 Ave N, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 5S8, Canada
- East Kootenays Network of People Who Use Drugs, 418-304 Street, Kimberley, BC, V1A 3H4, Canada
| | | | - Mel Krajden
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 170-6371 Crescent Road, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z2, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, 655 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
| | - Robert S Hogg
- HIV/AIDS Drug Treatment Program, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr W, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Angela Towle
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 170-6371 Crescent Road, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z2, Canada
| | - Viviane Dias Lima
- HIV/AIDS Drug Treatment Program, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 170-6371 Crescent Road, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z2, Canada.
| | - Kate Salters
- HIV/AIDS Drug Treatment Program, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr W, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
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Loy DE, Kamis K, Kanatser R, Rowan SE. Barriers to Hepatitis C Treatment and Interest in Telemedicine-Based Care Among Clients of a Syringe Access Program. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae088. [PMID: 38464492 PMCID: PMC10921388 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Sharing equipment for injection drug use is the most common mode of hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission in the United States, yet people who inject drugs (PWID) historically have low rates of HCV treatment. New strategies are needed to expand access to HCV treatment among PWID. Co-locating HCV treatment at syringe access programs (SAPs) reduces barriers to treatment, and telemedicine-based treatment programs could expand access further. Methods To evaluate interest in a co-localized or telemedicine-based program at an SAP in Denver, Colorado, we surveyed 171 SAP clients to understand barriers to HCV treatment and comfort with various appointment modalities. Results Eighty-nine of the surveyed SAP clients (52%), 50 of whom had not completed treatment, reported current or prior HCV infection. The most commonly cited reasons for not seeking HCV treatment were ongoing drug use, logistic barriers, and medical system barriers. Eighty-eight percent of clients with HCV reported that they would be more likely to get treatment if they were able to do so at the SAP, and the rate was higher among people who reported reluctance to seek medical care in general (98% vs 77%, P = .011). In-person appointments were preferred, though 77% of respondents were comfortable with a video appointment. However, only 60% of SAP clients reported having access to a phone, and fewer (48%) had access to video capability. Conclusions These findings suggest that telemedicine-based treatment at an SAP could improve access to HCV treatment, but successful implementation would require attention to barriers impacting clients' ability to participate in telemedicine appointments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy E Loy
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kevin Kamis
- Public Health Institute at Denver Health, Division of HIV/STI/Viral Hepatitis, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Sarah E Rowan
- Public Health Institute at Denver Health, Division of HIV/STI/Viral Hepatitis, Denver, Colorado, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Tan M, Park C, Goldman J, Biello KB, Buxton J, Hadland SE, Park JN, Sherman SG, Macmadu A, Marshall BDL. Association between willingness to use an overdose prevention center and probation or parole status among people who use drugs in Rhode Island. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:54. [PMID: 38424553 PMCID: PMC10905878 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-00969-0] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overdose prevention centers (OPCs) are being implemented in the United States as a strategy to reduce drug-related mortality and morbidity. Previous studies have suggested that people who use drugs (PWUD) with a history of criminal legal system (CLS) involvement (e.g. current probation/parole) are at greater risk of overdose but may also encounter significant barriers to OPC use. The objective of this study was to explore the association between willingness to use an OPC and probation/parole status in a sample of PWUD in Rhode Island. METHODS This study utilized data from the Rhode Island Prescription and Illicit Drug Study, which enrolled adult PWUD from August 2020 to February 2023. We used Pearson's chi-square and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests to assess bivariate associations between willingness to use an OPC and probation/parole status (current/previous/never), as well as other sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics. In multivariable Poisson analyses, we examined the association between willingness to use an OPC and probation/parole status, adjusting for key sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics. RESULTS Among 482 study participants, 67% were male, 56% identified as white, 20% identified as Hispanic/Latine, and the median age was 43 (IQR 35-53). Nearly a quarter (24%) had never been on probation/parole, 44% were not currently on probation/parole but had a lifetime history of probation and parole, and 32% were currently on probation/parole. Most participants (71%) reported willingness to use an OPC, and in both bivariate and multivariable analyses, willingness to use an OPC did not vary by probation/parole status. Crack cocaine use and lifetime non-fatal overdose were associated with greater willingness to use an OPC (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate high willingness to use OPC among PWUD in Rhode Island regardless of CLS-involvement. As OPCs begin to be implemented in Rhode Island, it will be imperative to engage people with CLS-involvement and to ensure access to the OPC and protection against re-incarceration due to potential barriers, such as police surveillance of OPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Tan
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Carolyn Park
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Jacqueline Goldman
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Katie B Biello
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Jane Buxton
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Scott E Hadland
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ju Nyeong Park
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Susan G Sherman
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alexandria Macmadu
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Brandon D L Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
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Coyle CR, Gicquelais RE, Genberg BL, Astemborski J, Falade-Nwulia O, Kirk GD, Thomas DL, Mehta SH. Temporal trends in HCV treatment uptake and success among people who inject drugs in Baltimore, MD since the introduction of direct acting antivirals. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 253:111007. [PMID: 38456165 PMCID: PMC10917145 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.111007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Background Although hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be cured by direct acting antivirals (DAA), uptake is not well characterized for people who inject drugs (PWID). Methods Among 1,130 participants of a community-based cohort of PWID with chronic HCV, we longitudinally characterized HCV treatment uptake and cure early (2014-2016) and later (2017-2020). Results Cumulative HCV treatment uptake increased from 4% in 2014 to 68% in 2020 and the percent with HCV viremia declined from nearly 100% to 33%. Predictors of treatment uptake varied across periods. Age (incidence rate ratio [IRR] per 5-year increase: 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15, 1.42), educational attainment (IRR for ≥ high school diploma: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.66), HIV coinfection with suppressed viral load (IRR vs. HIV negative: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.63, 2.66) and alcohol dependence (IRR vs. no alcohol use: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.91) were associated with treatment uptake in the early period, but not later. HIV coinfection with a detectable viral load (IRR vs. HIV negative: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.95) and daily injecting (IRR: 0.46 vs. no injection; 95% CI: 0.27, 0.79) were significantly associated with lower treatment uptake later. Homelessness was associated with significantly reduced likelihood of viral clearance in the late DAA era (IRR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.30, 0.88). Conclusion Treatment uptake improved substantially in this cohort of PWID in the first five years of DAA availability with commensurate declines in viremia. Additional efforts are needed to treat those actively injecting and unstably housed in order to realize elimination goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catelyn R. Coyle
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America
- Center for Observational and Real-World Evidence (CORE), Merck & Co, Inc, 351 N Sumneytown Pike, North Wales, PA 19454, United States of America
| | - Rachel E. Gicquelais
- School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 701 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, United States of America
| | - Becky L. Genberg
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America
| | - Jacquie Astemborski
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America
| | - Oluwaseun Falade-Nwulia
- Division of Infectious Disease, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America
| | - Gregory D. Kirk
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Disease, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America
| | - David L. Thomas
- Division of Infectious Disease, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America
| | - Shruti H. Mehta
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America
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