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Farrugia A, Lenton E, Seear K, Kagan D, Valentine K, Fraser S, Mulcahy S, Edwards M, Jeffcote D. 'We've got a present for you': Hepatitis C elimination, compromised healthcare subjects and treatment as a gift. Soc Sci Med 2024; 340:116416. [PMID: 38039771 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
With the advent of highly effective and tolerable direct-acting antiviral treatments for hepatitis C, widespread optimism for and investment in the project of disease elimination now informs the public health response. In Australia, the Commonwealth government has invested heavily in elimination by universally subsidising treatment, promising access for all. Reflecting concerns that commonly accompany ambitious public health projects, cost for governments supporting access to the treatment and cost for individuals consuming it have emerged as central issues. Drawing on 30 interviews with people who have been cured of hepatitis C with direct-acting antivirals, this article examines how cost shapes experiences of hepatitis C treatment and cure in Australia. Drawing on Lauren Berlant's (2011) influential work on 'cruel optimism', we analyse three interconnected ways that notions of cost shape participants' views of treatment as a beneficent gift from the state: (1) understandings of treatment access as a form of 'luck'; (2) conceptions of the cost of treatment; and (3) criticisms of others who are seen to waste state resources by not taking up treatment or by re-acquiring hepatitis C. We argue that, together, these dynamics constitute people affected by hepatitis C not as citizens worthy of public investment and fundamentally entitled to care, but as second-class citizens less deserving of treatment and of the health care to which they might otherwise be considered entitled. It is within this dynamic that the compromised quality of elimination optimism takes shape, binding people affected by hepatitis C to an inequitable relationship to health care, reproduced through the very things that promise to free them of such inequality - investments in access to treatment and cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Farrugia
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Australia; National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Australia.
| | - Emily Lenton
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Australia.
| | - Kate Seear
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Australia.
| | - Dion Kagan
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Australia.
| | - Kylie Valentine
- Social Policy Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Suzanne Fraser
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Australia; Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Sean Mulcahy
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Australia.
| | - Michael Edwards
- Faculty of Addiction Psychiatry, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Australia.
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Kagan D, Seear K, Lenton E, Farrugia A, Valentine K, Mulcahy S. 'I'm not hep C free': afterlives of hepatitis C in the era of cure. MEDICAL HUMANITIES 2023; 49:678-687. [PMID: 37451865 DOI: 10.1136/medhum-2023-012653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Since the advent of more effective, new-generation treatment for hepatitis C, immense resources have been devoted to delivering cure to as many people with the virus as possible. The scale-up of treatment aims to prevent liver disease, liver cancer and onward transmission of hepatitis C, but social research shows that people also approach treatment with its social promises in mind, including the hope that it might reduce or eradicate stigma from their lives. Such hopes reflect broader ideas about medical cure, which is seen as an end point to illness and its effects, and capable of restoring the self to a (previous) state of health and well-being. But what does cure mean among people for whom treatment does not produce an end to the social effects of a heavily stigmatised disease? While new treatments promise to eliminate hepatitis C, accounts of post-cure life suggest that hepatitis C can linger in various ways. This article draws on interviews with people who have undergone treatment with direct-acting antivirals (n=30) in Australia to explore the meanings they attach to cure and their experiences of post-cure life. We argue that dominant biomedical understandings of cure as an 'ending' and a 'restoration' can foreclose insight into the social and other effects of illness that linger after medical cure, and how individuals grapple with those afterlives. Drawing on recent conceptual re-framings of cure from medical anthropology and disability studies, we suggest that thinking at the limits of 'curative reason' helps to better address the afterlives of chronic illness. In the case of hepatitis C, reconceptualising cure could inform improved and less stigmatising ways of addressing people's post-cure needs. And in the era of hepatitis C elimination, such reconceptualisation is increasingly important as the cohort of people undergoing treatment and cure expands worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dion Kagan
- Australian Research Centre for Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate Seear
- Australian Research Centre for Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emily Lenton
- Australian Research Centre for Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Adrian Farrugia
- Australian Research Centre for Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kylie Valentine
- Centre for Social Policy Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sean Mulcahy
- Australian Research Centre for Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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Bryant J, Smith AKJ, Persson A, Valentine K, Drysdale K, Wallace J, Hamilton M, Newman CE. Logics of control and self-management in narratives of people living with HIV, hepatitis C and hepatitis B. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2023; 25:1214-1229. [PMID: 36476229 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2022.2149858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In Australia, the response to HIV, hepatitis C and hepatitis B has largely been through the constructed category of 'blood borne viruses' which treats these viruses as an interconnected set of conditions with respect to their mode of transmission. In this paper, we explore how people understand their viral infection, and compare the logics underpinning these different understandings. In-depth interviews were conducted with 61 participants who were either living with a blood borne virus or were the family members of people living with them. Our analysis reveals that the viral infection was often described as 'just a condition that needs to be managed', albeit in potentially exhausting ways. This understanding hinged upon a biomedical logic in which viral invasion was seen as causing illness and in turn necessitating biomedical intervention. In contrast, some participants with hepatitis B presented their infection as a condition unintelligible through Western biomedical logics, defined instead by symptomology - in terms of 'liver disease', and/or 'liver inflammation'. This focus on symptomology calls into question the soundness of prevention and management responses to hepatitis B based in biomedical logics and reveals the extent to which living with a virus involves multiple, sometimes incompatible, cultural logics. The different logics underpinning HIV, hepatitis C and hepatitis B reveal shortcomings of framing these viruses together as a coherent single construct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Bryant
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Asha Persson
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Kerryn Drysdale
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Myra Hamilton
- University of Sydney Business School, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Christy E Newman
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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4
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Snell G, Marshall AD, van Gennip J, Bonn M, Butler-McPhee J, Cooper CL, Kronfli N, Williams S, Bruneau J, Feld JJ, Janjua NZ, Klein M, Cunningham N, Grebely J, Bartlett SR. Public reimbursement policies in Canada for direct-acting antiviral treatment of hepatitis C virus infection: A descriptive study. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2023; 6:190-200. [PMID: 37503523 PMCID: PMC10370724 DOI: 10.3138/canlivj-2022-0040] [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] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Background Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies have simplified HCV treatment, and publicly funded Canadian drug plans have eliminated disease-stage restrictions for reimbursement of DAA therapies. However other policies which complicate, delay, or prevent treatment initiation still persist. We aim to describe these plans' existing reimbursement criteria and appraise whether they hinder treatment access. Methods We reviewed DAA reimbursement policies of 16 publicly funded drug plans published online and provided by contacts with in-depth knowledge of prescribing criteria. Data were collected from May to July 2022. Primary outcomes were: (1) if plans have arranged to accept point-of-care HCV RNA testing for diagnosis; testing requirements for (2) HCV genotype, (3) fibrosis stage, and (4) chronic infection; (5) time taken and method used to approve reimbursement requests; (6) providers eligible to prescribe DAAs; and (7) restrictions on re-treatment. Results Fifteen (94%) plans have at least one policy in place which limits simplified HCV treatment. Many plans continue to require results of genotype or fibrosis staging, limit eligible prescribers, and take longer than 1 day to approve coverage requests. One plan discourages treatment for re-infection. Conclusion Reimbursement criteria set by publicly funded Canadian drug plans continue to limit timely, equitable access to HCV treatment. Eliminating clinically irrelevant pre-authorization testing, expanding eligible prescribers, expediting claims processing, and broadening coverage of treatment for reinfection will improve access to DAAs. The federal government could further enhance efforts by introducing a federal HCV elimination strategy or federal high-cost drug PharmaCare program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaelen Snell
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alison D Marshall
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Matthew Bonn
- Canadian Association of People Who Use Drugs, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | - Curtis L Cooper
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nadine Kronfli
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sarah Williams
- Calgary Liver Unit, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal Research Center, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Naveed Z Janjua
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marina Klein
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nance Cunningham
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sofia R Bartlett
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Karasz A, Merchant K, Singh R, Thomas A, Borsuk C, McKee D, Duryea P, Kim AY, Mehta S, Norton BL, Page K, Pericot-Valverde I, Sedillo S, Stein ES, Taylor LE, Tsui J, Litwin A. The experience of re-infection among people who inject drugs successfully treated for hepatitis C. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2023; 146:208937. [PMID: 36880897 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2022.208937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Highly effective direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents have changed the landscape of hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) treatment and have become more available to people who inject drugs (PWID) over the past several years. Although many achieve a sustained virologic response (SVR), a small proportion will become re-infected. This study examined experiences of re-infection among participants in Project HERO, a large multi-site treatment trial designed to test alternative treatment delivery models for DAAs. METHODS Study staff conducted qualitative interviews with twenty-three HERO participants who experienced reinfection following successful treatment for HCV. Interviews focused on life circumstances and experiences with treatment/re-infection. We conducted a thematic analysis, followed by a narrative analysis. RESULTS Participants described challenging life circumstances. The initial experience of cure was joyful, leading participants to feel that they had escaped a defiled, stigmatized identity. Re-infection was very painful. Feelings of shame were common. Participants with fully developed narratives of re-infection described both a strong emotional response as well as a plan for avoiding re-infection during retreatment. Participants who lack such stories showed signs of hopelessness and apathy. CONCLUSION Though the promise of personal transformation through SVR may be motivating for patients, clinicians should be cautious about how they describe the "cure" when educating patients about HCV treatment. Patients should be encouraged to avoid stigmatizing, dichotomizing language of the self, including terms such as "dirty" and "clean." In acknowledging the benefits of HCV cure, clinicians should emphasize that re-infection does not mean failed treatment; and that current treatment guidelines support retreatment of re-infected PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Krupa Merchant
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville, 607 Grove Rd., Greenville, SC 29605, United States of America
| | - Reena Singh
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10461, United States of America
| | - Aurielle Thomas
- University of Rhode Island, 80 Washington Street, Rm. 525, Providence, RI 02903, United States of America
| | - Courtney Borsuk
- Johns Hopkins, 615 N. Wolfe St., E6536, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America
| | - Diane McKee
- University of Massachusetts School of Medicine 55 Lake Ave. North Worcester, MA 01655
| | - Patrick Duryea
- University of Rhode Island, Burnett Hall 1220 T St., Lincoln, NE 68588, 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
| | - Shruti Mehta
- Johns Hopkins, 615 N. Wolfe St., E6546, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America
| | - Brianna L Norton
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, 3330 Kossuth Ave., Bronx, NY 10467, 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, United States of America
| | - Irene Pericot-Valverde
- Clemson University, College of Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences, 605 Grove Rd., Greenville, SC 29605, United States of America
| | - Sandra Sedillo
- University of New Mexico, MSC10 5550 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States of America
| | - Ellen S Stein
- University of California, San Francisco, Mission Hall, 550-16th St., Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94158, United States of America
| | - Lynn E Taylor
- University of Rhode Island, CODAC Behavioral Health, 80 Washington Street, Rm. 525, Providence, RI 02903, United States of America
| | - Judith Tsui
- University of Washington, Box 359780, 325 9th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104, United States of America
| | - Alain 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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6
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Seear K, Mulcahy S, Kagan D, Lenton E, Fraser S, Valentine K, Farrugia A. Complicating cure: How Australian criminal law shapes imagined post-hepatitis C futures. SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS 2023; 45:179-195. [PMID: 36254737 PMCID: PMC10092810 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.13562] [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: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, highly tolerable and effective drugs have emerged promising a radical new 'post-hepatitis C' world. Optimism about medical cure potentially overlooks discrimination and stigma associated with hepatitis C and injecting drug use. Legal frameworks are especially relevant to hepatitis futures, since the law has the potential to reinforce or alleviate stigma and discrimination. This article explores how hepatitis C figures in Australian criminal law and with what potential effects. Drawing on Bruno Latour's work on legal veridiction, Alison Kafer's work on futurity and disability and case law data collected for a major study on hepatitis C and post-cure lives, we explore how the criminal law handles hepatitis C in the age of cure. We find that law complicates cure, constituting hepatitis C as disabling despite the advent of effective cures. The law steadfastly maintains its own approach to disease, disability and illness, untouched by medical and scientific developments, in ways that might complicate straightforwardly linear imaginaries of cure, transformation and progress of the kind that dominate biomedicine. We explore the implications of these tensions between law and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Seear
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and SocietyLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Sean Mulcahy
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and SocietyLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Dion Kagan
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and SocietyLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Emily Lenton
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and SocietyLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Suzanne Fraser
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and SocietyLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Kylie Valentine
- Social Policy Research CentreUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Adrian Farrugia
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and SocietyLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
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7
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Nguyen Le Thao M, Nguyen Thi Hong Y, Dang Trong T, Dung NT, Day J, Phuong LT, Kestelyn E, Chau NVV, Le Manh H, Van Nuil JI. Balancing uncertainty and proactivity in care seeking for hepatitis C: qualitative research with participants enrolled in a treatment trial in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2022; 17:2126602. [PMID: 36154660 PMCID: PMC9542774 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2022.2126602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Direct acting antiviral treatment to cure hepatitis C virus (HCV) is becoming more accessible yet the experiences of those accessing care and treatment and the contexts under which care seeking takes place are largely unknown in low- and middle-income countries. These experiences are important for insight into the challenges people encounter and the support/structures they utilize. The study objective was to explore the experiences of care seeking and treatment for participants enrolled in a clinical trial in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Methods We used in-depth interviews, home visits, mobile interviews, at both the clinic and in the home as we explored how participants experienced health and illness within their social worlds over time. Results We enrolled 20 participants, of whom 20 completed the first interview, 16 the second, and 18 completed the last interview. Findings explore four themes: (1) navigating uncertainty, (2) proactivity in the face of challenges, (3) living in fear with faith, and (4) dynamic support systems. Conclusions Understanding how participants envision and act upon their lived experiences can help to develop public health programmes that effectively address barriers and promote access to care and treatment for people with HCV in Vietnam.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thuan Dang Trong
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | - Jeremy Day
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Evelyne Kestelyn
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Hung Le Manh
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Jennifer Ilo Van Nuil
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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8
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Goutzamanis S, Doyle JS, Horyniak D, Higgs P, Hellard M. "Like a pickle that's been unpickled": Emotional, identity and behavioural transformations throughout hepatitis C treatment. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272401. [PMID: 36508406 PMCID: PMC9744280 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the emotional experience and benefits of undertaking direct acting antiviral (DAA) treatment for hepatitis C. A better understanding of individual treatment outcomes can inform acceptable treatment delivery and promotion. We aimed to explore participant-perceived emotional benefits and transformations throughout DAA treatment among people who inject drugs, who were initiating treatment. METHODS Participants were recruited from either a community based clinical trial or community health clinics. Semi structured interviews were conducted with each participant before, during and following treatment. Interviews focussed on treatment perceptions, physical and mental wellbeing and modifiable health behaviours. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Participant and cohort matrices were produced to assess at which time point themes were present and whether themes changed or remained stable over time. RESULTS This paper presents analysis from 19 participants interviewed between 2017-2019. Most participants were male, with no or mild fibrosis. At baseline, all but one participant had injected drugs in the past month. Three themes relating to the emotional wellbeing and behaviour change described a common treatment experience; 'hopes for better wellbeing', 'lifting the weight' and 'closing the chapter'. Participants were hopeful treatment would improve their emotional wellbeing. Hopes were actualised during treatment as participants began to feel uncertainty and stress easing. Completing treatment improved some participants perceptions of self. Some participants consciously changed their injecting behaviours during treatment. CONCLUSION Undertaking and completing treatment was an emotionally and behaviourally transformative period. Participant perceived benefits should be used to inform how treatment benefit is conceptualised and how treatment is promoted in primary care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stelliana Goutzamanis
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joseph S Doyle
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Danielle Horyniak
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Behaviour and Health Risks Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Higgs
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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9
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Sælør KT, Carlsen SEL, Fadnes LT, Lorås L. Experiences of Hope after Treatment of Hepatitis C Infection-A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15732. [PMID: 36497807 PMCID: PMC9738947 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of hope people had after undergoing treatment for a hepatitis C virus infection (HCV). Between October 2019 and May 2020, 19 one-on-one interviews were conducted with people who inject drugs and had undergone HCV treatment. All participants had completed treatment and were documented as being virus-free. Data were audio recorded and then transcribed verbatim and analysed; a method inspired by reflexive thematic analysis. Those interviewed conveyed rich and nuanced descriptions of experiences of a life with HCV. Through the course of the analysis we developed four themes. The themes were formulated as metaphors aimed at capturing commonalities about how the participants seemed to "turn their gaze" after receiving HCV treatment: (1) turning their gaze backward; (2) turning their gaze inwards; (3) turning their gaze toward others and (4) turning their gaze forward. Participants' descriptions of their experiences relating to HCV were somewhat gloomy, and HCV treatment seemed to inspire hope and a brighter outlook on several areas of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Knut Tore Sælør
- Department of Health, Social and Welfare Studies, Center for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, University of South-Eastern Norway, 3007 Drammen, Norway
| | | | - Lars Thore Fadnes
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Lennart Lorås
- Department of Welfare and Participation, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, 5063 Bergen, Norway
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10
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Wallace J, Richmond J, Howell J, Hajarizadeh B, Power J, Treloar C, Revill PA, Cowie B, Wang S, Stoové M, Pedrana A, Hellard M. Exploring the Public Health and Social Implications of Future Curative Hepatitis B Interventions. Viruses 2022; 14:v14112542. [PMID: 36423153 PMCID: PMC9693003 DOI: 10.3390/v14112542] [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: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B is a significant global health issue where the 296 million people estimated to live with the infection risk liver disease or cancer without clinical intervention. The World Health Organization has committed to eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, with future curative hepatitis B interventions potentially revolutionizing public health responses to hepatitis B, and being essential for viral hepatitis elimination. Understanding the social and public health implications of any cure is imperative for its successful implementation. This exploratory research, using semi-structured qualitative interviews with a broad range of professional stakeholders identifies the public health elements needed to ensure that a hepatitis B cure can be accessed by all people with hepatitis B. Issues highlighted by the experience of hepatitis C cure access include preparatory work to reorientate policy settings, develop resourcing options, and the appropriateness of health service delivery models. While the form and complexity of curative hepatitis B interventions are to be determined, addressing current disparities in cascade of care figures is imperative with implementation models needing to respond to the cultural contexts, social implications, and health needs of people with hepatitis B, with cure endpoints and discourse being contested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Wallace
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, Latrobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-432850708
| | | | - Jessica Howell
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | | | - Jennifer Power
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, Latrobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Peter A. Revill
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Benjamin Cowie
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Su Wang
- Center for Asian Health, Saint Barnabas Medical Center, RWJBarnabas-Rutgers Medical Group, Florham Park, NJ 07039, USA
| | - Mark Stoové
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | | | - Margaret Hellard
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health & Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
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11
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Nascimento YDA, Silva LD, Ramalho de Oliveira D. The Lived Experience of Patients Utilizing Second-Generation Direct-Acting Antiviral for Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection: A Phenomenological Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12540. [PMID: 36231842 PMCID: PMC9566709 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C is a global public health problem, and the aim of this study was to understand the experiences of patients with hepatitis C using second-generation antivirals. In-depth interviews were conducted with ten outpatients, cognitively capable of reporting their experience, followed up at a university clinic. Field diaries kept during the interviews were also used. The researchers carried out a thematic analysis to identify the ways in which individuals experienced their medication; then, these ways were reorganized to encompass the essential structures of the experience. The patients experienced the use of DAAs as providing resolution and it was permeated by: the experience of time-stagnant time, waiting for medication and the cure; the experience of spaces, understood as necessary and imposed spaces; the experience of relationships with others, personified by the support provided by healthcare professionals; the experience of sexuality, when patients developed several coping strategies to deal with the challenges imposed by the treatment. To conclude, increasing the knowledge about the patients' experiences can contribute to improve the healthcare model for hepatitis C, since several patients have severe hepatic impairment, and the eradication of the virus is only one of the stages of patients' treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yone de Almeida Nascimento
- College of Pharmacy, Center for Pharmaceutical Care Studies, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Luciana Diniz Silva
- College of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Djenane Ramalho de Oliveira
- College of Pharmacy, Center for Pharmaceutical Care Studies, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
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12
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Guggisberg H, Nicca D, Kohler A, Bruggmann P, Patrizia Künzler-Heule P. "Shaping the new freedom": A reflexive thematic analysis on patients' post cure needs after years of living with hepatitis C. Swiss Med Wkly 2022; 152:w30177. [PMID: 35704926 DOI: 10.4414/smw.2022.w30177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Direct-acting antivirals present a treatment opportunity that provides high rates of sustained viral response even for people who have lived for years with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. While it is known that liver-related morbidity and mortality can be decreased and many symptoms reversed, this population's need for post-treatment professional support has not been extensively assessed. Therefore, our study aimed to describe the experiences of patients cured of chronic HCV infection and explore the meaning of these experiences regarding specific follow-up care needs within the context of the Swiss health system. METHODS For this qualitative study, we applied a reflexive thematic analysis approach with a social constructivist orientation. Twelve participants shared their experiences of being cured and their needs regarding follow-up care. Subsequently, the data were analysed in an iterative process based on Braun and Clarke's six phases of analysis. RESULTS In the overarching theme, participants summarised their new situation with the statement, "being cured feels like being released from a cage". They experienced striking health improvements with overwhelmingly positive influences on their everyday lives. This experience was characterised for all participants by important changes on three levels. We categorised these in three sub-themes: a) "the ball and chain have been lightened": this sub-theme illustrates the reduction of social limitations and emotional stress; b) "the gnawing at the liver has let up": this signifies relief from physical symptoms and strongly improved well-being. And under the third sub-theme, "shaping the new freedom", the participants described their new situation as a sometimes-stressful challenge because they had to reorient their self-management. They shared their concerns regarding the ongoing stigma of HCV infection, feeling insecure in their own health after being cured, and learning how to use their heightened sense of confidence and openness to enact behavioural changes that would improve their health-related lifestyles. CONCLUSION The findings of this study provide insights into treatment experiences of patients cured of chronic HCV infection and the need for follow-up care even after successful virus eradication. The results can sensitise healthcare professionals to patients' post-cure challenges and guide their care interventions. Some of these challenges, such as dealing with stigma, can be addressed during treatment; other needs, like providing motivation to engage in healthy behaviour, may warrant targeted follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Guggisberg
- Institute of Nursing Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Surgery, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Dunja Nicca
- Institute of Nursing Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Global and Public Health, Institute for Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anton Kohler
- Arud Centre for Addiction Medicine, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Patrizia Patrizia Künzler-Heule
- Institute of Nursing Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Gastroenterology/Hepatology and Department of Nursing, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
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13
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Farrugia A, Fomiatti R, Fraser S, Moore D, Edwards M, Birbilis E, Treloar C. Hepatitis C cure as a 'gathering': Attending to the social and material relations of hepatitis C treatment. SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS 2022; 44:830-847. [PMID: 35365924 PMCID: PMC9325418 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.13467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Since the advent of direct-acting antiviral hepatitis C treatments, widespread enthusiasm about disease elimination has emerged. This article examines experiences of hepatitis C treatment and cure in this period. Mobilising Fraser and Seear's (Making disease, making citizens: The politics of hepatitis C, Ashgate, 2011) approach to hepatitis C as a 'gathering', we analyse cure not as a biomedical phenomenon but as a social and material event. To do so, we take a Science and Technology Studies-inspired approach to analyse three complementary cases drawn from an Australian project on experiences of hepatitis C, treatment and cure. First, we analyse the ways a friendship between two women combines with adjustments to treatment access to produce a gathering that makes cure possible. Second, we analyse the forces that gather and distribute responsibility when a cure does not occur in a context shaped by oversimplified treatment logics. Third, we analyse a gathering of relations in which hepatitis C lingers, thereby limiting the cure's possible transformative effects. We argue that, even in an era defined by highly effective medicines, the hepatitis C cure is not necessarily straightforward, but an unpredictable gathering constituted by a fragile coalescing of social and material forces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Farrugia
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and SocietyLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- National Drug Research InstituteCurtin UniversityPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Renae Fomiatti
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and SocietyLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Suzanne Fraser
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and SocietyLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Centre for Social Research in HealthUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - David Moore
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and SocietyLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Michael Edwards
- National Drug and Alcohol Research CentreUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Elizabeth Birbilis
- Prevention and Population and Health BranchPublic Health DivisionDepartment of HealthVictoria State GovernmentMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and SocietyLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Centre for Social Research in HealthSocial Policy Research CentreUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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14
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Losikoff P, Bosse JD, Martin SA, Wilson A, Chiodo LM. Integrated hepatitis C treatment is associated with improved retention and success in outpatient treatment for opioid use disorder at a private clinic. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:932306. [PMID: 36186876 PMCID: PMC9515307 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.932306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Direct acting antiretrovirals (DAA) are effective for individuals who are infected with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), yet many people go without access to these lifesaving treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a non-randomized study evaluating treatment data for patients in outpatient treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) at a private clinic. Patients who were HCV-positive, had been in OUD treatment for at least 4 weeks, and engaged in integrated HCV treatment with DAA (co-located within their treatment for OUD) were compared to patients with HCV who only received OUD treatment. We evaluated HCV cure; OUD medication adherence, treatment utilization and retention; and illicit substance use for those engaged in treatment between 9/2016 and 1/2018. RESULTS Seventy-four patients completed integrated HCV-OUD treatment with DAA, with 87.8% achieving cure. Of the 66 who completed treatment and were subsequently evaluated for sustained viral response 98.5% were cured. Patients who received integrated HCV and OUD treatment in our clinic, stayed in OUD treatment longer, demonstrated higher OUD medication adherence, and used less opioids or cocaine compared to HCV-infected patients (n = 572) being treated only for OUD. DISCUSSION We have reported on a reproducible intervention that lends itself to outpatient OUD treatment. Analyses demonstrate the potential positive impact HCV treatment has on OUD recovery, including reduction in opioid and cocaine use and increased retention in care. CONCLUSION Co-locating HCV treatment with existing OUD treatment is feasible, effective, and demonstrates positive outcomes for the treatment of both conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phyllis Losikoff
- CleanSlate Outpatient Addiction Medicine, New Bedford, MA, United States.,Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Jordon D Bosse
- School of Nursing, Bouvè College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States.,Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Stephen A Martin
- Barre Family Health Center, Barre, MA, United States.,Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Amanda Wilson
- Addiction Research and Education Foundation, Gig Harbor, WA, United States
| | - Lisa M Chiodo
- Addiction Research and Education Foundation, Gig Harbor, WA, United States.,Elaine Marieb College of Nursing, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
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15
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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 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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16
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Goutzamanis S, Horyniak D, Doyle JS, Hellard M, Higgs P. Perceived physical health outcomes of direct-acting antiviral treatment for hepatitis C: a qualitative study. Harm Reduct J 2021; 18:73. [PMID: 34266434 PMCID: PMC8281623 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-021-00516-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Novel health promotion and treatment uptake initiatives will be necessary to ensure Australia meets 2030 hepatitis C elimination targets. Increasing treatment uptake will be assisted by a better understanding of the treatment experience and patient-perceived benefits. This study describes the perceived physical health benefits from direct-acting antiviral (DAA) hepatitis C treatment among people who inject drugs in Melbourne, Australia. Methods Twenty participants were recruited from a community treatment trial and community health clinics. Semi-structured interviews were performed with each participant before, during and following treatment. Interviews focused on treatment experiences, attitudes and motivations. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. Results Two themes relating to the physical experience of treatment developed; intersection between physical and mental health and “maybe it’s working”. Participants reported various physical benefits, most prominently, reduced fatigue. Reductions in fatigue resulted in instant and meaningful changes in everyday life. Some participants did experience side effects, which they described as mild. Experiencing noticeable physical benefits during treatment was perceived as validation that treatment was working. Conclusion Physical health benefits of DAA treatment may have carry-on effects on cognitive, emotional or social wellbeing and should be incorporated into how treatment is promoted to those who require it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stelliana Goutzamanis
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia. .,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.
| | - Danielle Horyniak
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Behaviour and Health Risks Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Joseph S Doyle
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Peter Higgs
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Department of Public Health, La Trobe University, Plenty Rd and Kingsbury Dr, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
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17
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Goutzamanis S, Spelman T, Harney B, Dietze P, Stoove M, Higgs P, Thompson A, Doyle JS, Hellard M. Patient-reported outcomes of the Treatment and Prevention Study: A real-world community-based trial of direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C among people who inject drugs. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:1068-1077. [PMID: 33880820 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The impact of hepatitis C cure with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in community settings remains unclear. We aimed to assess changes in PROs over time and whether treatment was associated with sustained improved PROs in a cohort of people who inject drugs. This study is a sub-analysis of the Treatment and Prevention Study, a nurse-led trial where people who inject drugs and their injecting partners were recruited in a community setting, in Melbourne, Australia. Three participant groups were characterized: treatment, untreated and non-viremic (hepatitis C RNA negative at screening). PROs included assessment of health-related quality of life using the Short Form-8 (SF-8) Survey and life satisfaction using Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI). PROs were measured at baseline and every 12 weeks until week 84. Generalized estimating equations were used to measure whether treatment was associated with longitudinal PRO change. A total of 215 participants were included in this analysis. PWI scores were significantly higher at week 12 for both treatment group (p = 0.0309) and non-viremic group (p = 0.0437) compared to baseline. However, treatment was not associated with longitudinal change in PRO scores. In conclusion, we found DAA treatment did not significantly improve PRO scores compared to those not receiving treatment and without hepatitis C. The measures used in this study may not be sensitive enough to capture the hepatitis C specific improvements in quality of life that treatment affords or factors other than treatment may be influencing quality of life scores in this cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stelliana Goutzamanis
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Timothy Spelman
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Brendan Harney
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Paul Dietze
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Mark Stoove
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Peter Higgs
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic., Australia
| | | | - Joseph S Doyle
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic., Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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18
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Levander XA, Vega TA, Seaman A, Korthuis PT, Englander H. Exploring how hospitalization can alter hepatitis c virus treatment prioritization and trajectories in people who use drugs: A qualitative analysis. Subst Abus 2021; 43:245-252. [PMID: 34161198 PMCID: PMC8695635 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2021.1932699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: People who use drugs (PWUD) have high rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Hospitalization can be a time for PWUD to engage in addiction treatment, but little is known about how hospitalization shapes HCV treatment readiness. We aimed to describe how hospitalization and addiction medicine consult service (AMCS) can alter HCV prioritization of inpatient PWUD with HCV. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study consisting of semi-structured interviews (n = 27) of hospitalized adults with addiction and HCV infection seen by an AMCS at a single, urban, academic center. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded iteratively at the semantic level, and analyzed for themes. Results: Of the 27 participants, most identified as Caucasian (85%), male gender (67%), and they primarily used opioids (78%); approximately half (48%) reported HCV diagnosis over 5 years ago. We identified three main themes around hospitalization altering the prioritizations and HCV treatment preferences for PWUD: (1) HCV treatment non-engaged (2) HCV treatment urgency, and (3) HCV treatment in the future. Those wanting to treat HCV-whether urgently or in the future-shared the overlapping theme of hospitalization as a reachable moment for their addiction and HCV. These participants recognized the long-term benefits of addressing HCV and connected their hospitalization to substance use. Conclusion: In our study, PWUD with HCV expressed varying and competing priorities and life circumstances contributing to three main HCV treatment trajectories. Our results suggest ways hospitalization can serve as an HCV touchpoint for PWUD, especially in the context of addressing substance use, and could be used when designing and implementing targeted interventions to improve the HCV care continuum for PWUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximena A. Levander
- Section of Addiction Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Taylor A. Vega
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Andrew Seaman
- Section of Addiction Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Central City Concern, Portland, OR, USA
| | - P. Todd Korthuis
- Section of Addiction Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Honora Englander
- Section of Addiction Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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19
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Pourmarzi D, Smirnov A, Hall L, FitzGerald G, Rahman T. 'I'm over the moon!': patient-perceived outcomes of hepatitis C treatment. Aust J Prim Health 2021; 26:319-324. [PMID: 32580867 DOI: 10.1071/py20013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Understanding patient-perceived outcomes is crucial for assessing the effectiveness and acceptability of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment. This study aimed to explore patient-perceived outcomes of receiving direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). This study was a part of a mixed-methods case study of the Prince Charles Hospital program for improving access to HCV treatment in community settings. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with nine patients who were in different stages of their treatment for HCV. The participants were recruited using purposive sampling. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Patients emphasised 'having more energy' when reporting improvements in their physical health following treatment. They also reported a newly developed sense of freedom and hope. Improved physical and mental health empowered them to start a healthy lifestyle and to practise self-protection from the risk of re-infection. Patients highlighted their desire to help other patients to receive treatment, which was connected to their experience of the services that they received and their perceived health outcomes. Patients expect and experience various outcomes that are related to the physical, psychological and social aspects of living with, and being cured of HCV. Emphasis on the short-term outcomes of receiving HCV treatment may improve HCV treatment uptake and adherence rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davoud Pourmarzi
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld 4059, Australia; and National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; and Corresponding author.
| | - Andrew Smirnov
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Lisa Hall
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4006, Australia
| | - Gerard FitzGerald
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld 4059, Australia
| | - Tony Rahman
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Qld 4032, Australia
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20
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Jacob J, Goodyear T, Coulaud PJ, Hoong P, Ti L, Knight R. "I want to feel young again": experiences and perspectives of young people who inject drugs living with hepatitis C in Vancouver, Canada. Canadian Journal of Public Health 2021; 112:947-956. [PMID: 34115340 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-021-00535-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES People who inject drugs (PWID) are disproportionately impacted by hepatitis C virus (HCV). Despite the availability and efficacy of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) HCV therapies, treatment rates remain low among PWID. Among PWID, those who are young (under age 30) experience high rates of HCV and also face distinct barriers to care. The objective of this study is to identify facilitators and barriers to navigating various facets of the HCV cascade of care, including DAA treatment access, among young PWID. METHODS We draw on data from in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted between May and November 2019 with a sample of 11 young, street-involved PWID who have lived experience of HCV and who live in Metro Vancouver, Canada. Informed by a social constructivist epistemology, data were thematically analyzed using an equity-oriented theoretical framework. RESULTS Our analysis yielded two key themes. First, participants described facilitators to HCV care access, including individual factors (e.g., desire to be cured, knowledge of side effects) and healthcare and socio-contextual factors (e.g., peer supports, supportive youth-specific services). Second, participants described a contrasting set of barriers to HCV care access, including concerns over treatment side effects and (in)eligibility, complex healthcare system navigation, substance use- and housing-related stigma, and clinician gatekeeping of DAAs. CONCLUSION Findings from this study underscore the need for HCV-related knowledge-building efforts among young PWID and clinicians. Also needed are structural policy interventions to facilitate access to DAAs, including anti-stigma efforts, access to safe housing, and the scale-up of low-barrier youth-specific services and decentralized HCV care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Jacob
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St, Vancouver, V6Z 2A9, BC, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Trevor Goodyear
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St, Vancouver, V6Z 2A9, BC, Canada.,School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Pierre-Julien Coulaud
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St, Vancouver, V6Z 2A9, BC, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Peter Hoong
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St, Vancouver, V6Z 2A9, BC, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lianping Ti
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St, Vancouver, V6Z 2A9, BC, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Rod Knight
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St, Vancouver, V6Z 2A9, BC, Canada. .,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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21
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Goodyear T, Brown H, Browne AJ, Hoong P, Ti L, Knight R. "Stigma is where the harm comes from": Exploring expectations and lived experiences of hepatitis C virus post-treatment trajectories among people who inject drugs. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 96:103238. [PMID: 33902968 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The advent of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications has facilitated opportunities to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) among people who inject drugs (PWID). However, there remains a need for data about how to optimally support PWID throughout DAA post-treatment trajectories, including with regard to re-infection prevention. The objective of this study is therefore to identify how PWID with lived experience of HCV describe their expectations and experiences related to health and social outcomes, contexts, and substance use practices following completion of DAA treatment. METHODS We thematically analyzed data from in-depth, semi-structured interviews, conducted between January and June 2018, in Vancouver, Canada, with a purposive sample (n = 50) of PWID at various stages of DAA treatment (e.g., pre, peri, post). RESULTS Our analysis yielded three themes. First, while participants had hoped to experience holistic enhancements in wellbeing following HCV cure, discussions of actual post-treatment experiences tended to be located in physical health (e.g., increased energy). Second, participants often pointed to the ways in which HCV-related and other stigmas had restricted opportunities for health and healthcare access. Participants therefore identified stigma-reduction as a key motivator of HCV cure, and while reductions in internalized stigma were sometimes achieved, participants underscored that other forms of enacted stigma (e.g., related to: substance use, HIV, poverty) had continued to feature prominently in their post-treatment lives. Third, participants described considerable knowledge about how to prevent HCV re-infection following cure, but they also expressed apprehensiveness about how socio-structural barriers, including stigma and criminalization, could interfere with harm reduction and re-infection prevention efforts. CONCLUSIONS DAAs are transforming the health and wellbeing of some PWID. Yet, HCV-related policy must extend beyond the scale-up of DAAs to include concerted public health investments, including anti-stigma efforts and improvements to the social welfare system, to meaningfully advance equity in PWID's post-treatment trajectories and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Goodyear
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Helen Brown
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Annette J Browne
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Peter Hoong
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lianping Ti
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Rod Knight
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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22
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Künzler-Heule P, Fierz K, Schmidt AJ, Rasi M, Bogdanovic J, Kocher A, Engberg S, Battegay M, Nöstlinger C, Lehner A, Kouyos R, Schmid P, Braun DL, Fehr J, Nicca D. Response to a sexual risk reduction intervention provided in combination with hepatitis C treatment by HIV/HCV co-infected men who have sex with men: a reflexive thematic analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:319. [PMID: 33823783 PMCID: PMC8022541 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06003-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus reinfections in HIV-positive men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) challenge the effectiveness of antiviral treatment. To fight this problem, an adapted sexual risk reduction intervention was implemented within a hepatitis C treatment trial. Following this, the current study had two aims and describes 1) how the program was received by participants; and 2) their responses to the program regarding sexual risk taking. Based on the participants' input, we hoped to judge the intervention's potential for scale-up. METHODS Seventeen participants who received the sexual risk reduction intervention in addition to hepatitis C treatment were recruited for semi-structured interviews six to 12 months post-intervention. We evaluated the responses via reflexive thematic analysis and applied the concept of sense-making. RESULTS Giving hepatitis C a place and living without it again illustrates how participants received the program and how their experiences were altered by the impact of sense-making. Based on their responses, we allocated participants to three groups: 1. Avoid risks: get rid of hepatitis C for life. For these men, hepatitis C remained a life-threatening disease: they actively modified their risk behavior and felt supported by the intervention in maintaining their behavioral changes. 2. Minimize risks: live as long as possible without hepatitis C. In contrast to group 1, these men saw hepatitis C as a manageable disease. The intervention facilitated reflection on risks and how to develop behavioral changes that suited them individually. 3. Accept risks; live with the risk of hepatitis C. These men perceived behavioral changes as much more difficult than "easy" medical treatment. They expected to either undergo repeated rounds of treatment or stay HCV re-infected. CONCLUSION These results illustrate the diversity of men's responses and their decisions regarding sexual risk behavior after participating in a combination of antiviral treatment and a sexual risk reduction intervention. Two major aspects were identified: 1) Teachable moments, particularly at the time of diagnosis/treatment, could offer an opportunity to develop openness for behavioral change; 2) adapting sexual risk reduction interventions to sense-making patterns could help to improve its effectiveness. Support for reducing infection risk and raising awareness of preventative measures are additional benefits. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Trial Number: NCT02785666 , 30.05.2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Künzler-Heule
- Nursing Science, Department Public Health, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Gastroenterology/Hepatology and Department of Nursing, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Fierz
- Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZUAS), Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Axel Jeremias Schmidt
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.,Sigma Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Manuela Rasi
- Department of Public & Global Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jasmina Bogdanovic
- Nursing Science, Department Public Health, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Agnes Kocher
- Nursing Science, Department Public Health, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Engberg
- Nursing Science, Department Public Health, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Manuel Battegay
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Roger Kouyos
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Schmid
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Laurent Braun
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Fehr
- Department of Public & Global Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dunja Nicca
- Nursing Science, Department Public Health, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland. .,Department of Public & Global Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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23
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Winetsky D, Burack D, Antoniou P, Garcia B, Gordon P, Scherer M. Psychosocial Factors and the Care Cascade for Hepatitis C Treatment Colocated at a Syringe Service Program. J Infect Dis 2021; 222:S392-S400. [PMID: 32877544 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) is highly effective. However, people who inject drugs face significant barriers to DAA access. METHODS We describe a program that colocates HCV management within a syringe service program in New York City. We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients with confirmed HCV viremia. RESULTS From 2015 to 2018, 102 patients with viremia completed intake. Fifty-eight patients started DAAs. Nine patients discontinued treatment or were lost to follow-up before completion; 1 is continuing DAA treatment. Of 48 patients who completed therapy, sustained virologic response (SVR) was achieved in 43 (89.6%). Age and established mental health treatment at intake were associated with SVR. Regular cocaine use was negatively associated with SVR in univariate analysis, but this association was not significant after adjustment for age. Of 30 patients completing DAA therapy with active illicit opioid use at intake, 14 (46.4%) engaged in opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment during therapy, and 9 remained in OUD treatment after completion of DAA treatment. CONCLUSIONS Loss to follow-up is a challenge for people who inject drugs, but among those who completed treatment, SVR was achieved at a high rate. Mental health treatment may facilitate HCV cure. Conversely, HCV therapy may facilitate engagement in OUD treatment and other services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Winetsky
- Comprehensive Health Program, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA.,HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
| | - Daniel Burack
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Pantelis Antoniou
- Comprehensive Health Program, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, USA
| | - Bill Garcia
- Washington Heights Corner Project, New York, USA
| | - Peter Gordon
- Comprehensive Health Program, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Matthew Scherer
- Comprehensive Health Program, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA
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24
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Hendriks S, Pearson SD. Assessing potential cures: are there distinctive elements of value beyond health gain? J Comp Eff Res 2021; 10:255-265. [PMID: 33663230 PMCID: PMC7939098 DOI: 10.2217/cer-2020-0190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Assessing the 'value' of potential cures can be challenging, as some have suggested that cures may offer distinctive benefits from noncurative treatments. We explore what these - previously unspecified - additional benefits may be. We suggest that three new elements of value seem distinctive to cures: liberation from the identity of being diseased, liberation from the stigma associated with the disease and liberation from the burden of ongoing therapy. However, including additional elements of value in health technology assessment may result in double counting and requires consideration of potential opportunity costs. We suggest health technology assessment should explore the relevance of these three elements of value and may have good reasons to - judiciously - integrate them through the deliberative process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Hendriks
- Department of Bioethics, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Steven D Pearson
- Department of Bioethics, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Institute for Clinical & Economic Review, Boston, MA 02109, USA
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25
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Morris L, Selvey L, Williams O, Gilks C, Smirnov A. Reasons for Not Seeking Hepatitis C Treatment among People Who Inject Drugs. Subst Use Misuse 2021; 56:175-184. [PMID: 33208025 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2020.1846198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite increases in treatment uptake for hepatitis C viral infection (HCV) in Australia since the introduction of direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy, a large proportion of HCV-infected people who inject drugs (PWID) have not sought treatment. Purpose/Objectives: To examine predictors of treatment uptake and reasons for not seeking treatment among PWID. Methods: PWID (n = 404) recruited through five needle and syringe programs in South East Queensland were interviewed about HCV testing, status and treatment, recent injecting drug use, mental health and reasons for not taking up treatment. Predictors of treatment uptake were examined using unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyses. Proportions were calculated for participants reporting each reason for not taking up treatment. Results: We recruited 404 PWID. Of those tested for HCV (94%), 55% were HCV antibody positive and 31% with active infection. Approximately 36% of eligible participants had begun or completed DAA treatment. In adjusted analyses, injecting drugs three or more times per day was associated with not taking up HCV treatment (p = 0.005). Common reasons for not seeking treatment ("applied a lot") included experiencing no HCV-related symptoms (25%), HCV treatment not being a priority (23%), fear of treatment side effects (18%), and no knowledge of DAA treatments (15%). Conclusions/Importance: HCV education efforts for PWID should target misperceptions and lack of awareness of DAA therapy, and highlight the likely benefits of treatment even when asymptomatic. The use of peer workers and increased investment in integrated treatment facilities will likely aid treatment uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leith Morris
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Australia
| | - Linda Selvey
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Australia
| | - Owain Williams
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Australia
| | - Charles Gilks
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Australia
| | - Andrew Smirnov
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Australia.,Queensland Alcohol and Drug Research and Education Centre, The University of Queensland, Herston, Australia
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26
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Van Nuil JI, Umutesi G, Shumbusho F, Kateera F, Dushimimana JDD, Muvunyi CM, Musabeyezu E, Mukabatsinda C, Ntirenganya C, Kabahizi J, Serumondo J, Makuza JD, Nsanzimana S, Grant P, Gupta N. Improved quality of life following direct-acting antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis C infection in Rwanda: Results from a clinical trial in sub-Saharan Africa (the SHARED study). J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:112-120. [PMID: 32858774 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Around 71 million people are living with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, with approximately 14% residing in sub-Saharan Africa. Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies offer clear benefits for liver-related morbidity and mortality, and data from high-income settings suggest that DAA treatments also provide significant benefits in terms of health-related quality of life (HRQL). In this study, we assessed the effect of DAA treatment on HRQL for individuals treated for HCV in a clinical trial in Rwanda. We assessed the HRQL of participants using an 83-question composite survey at Day 0 ('baseline') and Week 24 ('endpoint'). Data were analysed in R. A total of 296 participants were included in this analysis. Their ages ranged from 19 to 90, and 184 (62.2%) were female. There were significant improvements from baseline to endpoint median scores for all physical and mental quality of life sub-scales. Additionally, a reduction-before and after treatment-in the proportion of those classified as depressed and needing social support was statistically significant (both P < .001). Economic productivity increased after treatment (P < .001), and households classified as food secure increased from baseline to endpoint (P < .001). These results demonstrate that Rwandans with chronic HCV infection experience both clinical and HRQL benefits, including household-level benefits like substantial gains in workforce stability, economic productivity, and poverty alleviation, from DAA treatment. A stronger demonstration of accurate and broader household-level benefits achieved through treatment of HCV with DAAs will help financing and investment for HCV in resource-constrained settings become an urgent priority.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Emmanuel Musabeyezu
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Cyprien Ntirenganya
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | | | | | | | - Philip Grant
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Neil Gupta
- Partners in Health, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda.,Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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27
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Sherbuk JE, Tabackman A, McManus KA, Kemp Knick T, Schexnayder J, Flickinger TE, Dillingham R. A qualitative study of perceived barriers to hepatitis C care among people who did not attend appointments in the non-urban US South. Harm Reduct J 2020; 17:64. [PMID: 32948189 PMCID: PMC7501689 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-020-00409-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most people diagnosed with hepatitis C virus (HCV) have not linked to care, despite the availability of safe and effective treatment. We aimed to understand why people diagnosed with HCV have not pursued care in the non-urban Southern United States. METHODS We conducted a survey and semi-structured interview with participants referred to an HCV clinic who did not attend an appointment between 2014 and 2018. Our clinic is located in a non-urban region of Virginia at a university hospital. Qualitative data collection was guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM). Data was analyzed using qualitative content analysis to identify key factors influencing patient perceptions regarding HCV and pursuit of care. RESULTS Over half of previously referred patients (N = 200) could not be reached by phone. Eleven participants enrolled, including 7 men and 4 women. Based on survey responses, unreliable transportation, unstable housing, substance use, and lack of insurance were common. Participants demonstrated good knowledge of HCV disease, complications, and treatment. On qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews, final themes emerged from within and between HBM constructs. Emerging themes influencing patient perceptions included (1) structural barriers, (2) stigma, (3) prior experiences of HCV disease and treatment, (4) discordance between the recognized severity of HCV and expected impacts on one's own health, and (5) patient-provider relationship. Substance use was not identified to be a barrier to care. CONCLUSIONS Participants perceived individual and structural barriers to linking to care. A strong HCV knowledge base was not sufficient to motivate pursuit of care. Efforts to improve linkage to care must address barriers at multiple levels, and system-level changes are needed. As the majority of previously referred patients could not be contacted by phone, current approaches to patient engagement are not effective for reaching these populations. Expansion of HCV care to primary care settings with an established patient-provider relationship or co-located treatment within substance use treatment programs may serve to increase access to HCV treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline E Sherbuk
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | - Alexa Tabackman
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Kathleen A McManus
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Terry Kemp Knick
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Julie Schexnayder
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Tabor E Flickinger
- Division of General, Geriatric, Palliative, and Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Rebecca Dillingham
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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28
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Jacob J, Ti L, Knight R. Will peer-based interventions improve hepatitis C virus treatment uptake among young people who inject drugs? Canadian Journal of Public Health 2020; 112:460-463. [PMID: 32936434 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-020-00413-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
People who inject drugs (PWID) are disproportionately affected by hepatitis C virus (HCV) and have low rates of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment uptake, despite universal coverage of the medication in most Canadian settings. Investigation into peer-based interventions as a means of improving treatment uptake has yielded promising results in adult PWID populations. In this commentary, we discuss the benefits and considerations of integrating peer-based interventions into HCV care for adolescent and young adult PWID living with HCV. Given that young PWID experience high transmission rates and account for most new infections, improving strategies for youth engagement with DAA treatment is critical. We describe how peer-based interventions can feature the unique importance of peer relationships in this period of life and provide a low-barrier way of delivering health promotion messages. In particular, we discuss the ability of peer-based interventions to reshape the narrative of HCV care in young PWID peer networks by empowering youth to share experiences and knowledge with others. We conclude by addressing knowledge gaps in the literature which must be filled in order to strengthen the impact of peer-based interventions on treatment uptake rates among young PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Jacob
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lianping Ti
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Rod Knight
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe St, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada. .,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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29
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Van Nuil JI, Shumbusho F, Kateera F, Mukuralinda A, Kabahizi J, Muvunyi CM, Musabeyezu E, Mukabatsinda C, Mbituyumuremi A, Nsanzimana S, Mukerjee J, Gupta N. Care seeking and treatment for hepatitis C infection in Rwanda: A qualitative study of patient experiences. Glob Public Health 2020; 15:1778-1788. [PMID: 32735478 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1801787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
An estimated 71 million people live with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and without an effective vaccination, control efforts depend entirely on prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment with direct acting antiviral medication. The experiences of accessing care and treatment, as well as how HCV is locally perceived, are context specific and require an understanding of local epidemics. The objectives of this study were to explore the experiences and demand-side barriers for people with chronic HCV infection, as well as describe the social and cultural landscapes in which they experienced, managed, and perceived HCV in Rwanda. Eleven participants provided consent to participate and all completed two semi-structured interviews during treatment within a clinical trial. We identified four themes: (1) diagnosis and use of traditional medicine, (2) access and financial barriers, (3) complex social networks (4) proactivity in care-seeking. Results demonstrate the complex ways in which Rwandans understand HCV, utilise parallel health systems, activate social networks, and the importance of active agency in the opportunities and outcomes for their own health in the context of an early response to a major epidemic. Without recognising communities' understanding and expectations, it is impossible to build a sustainable and successful public health response to HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Emmanuel Musabeyezu
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | | | | | - Joia Mukerjee
- Partners in Health, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda.,Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Neil Gupta
- Partners in Health, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda.,Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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30
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Caven M, Robinson EM, Eriksen AJ, Fletcher EH, Dillon JF. Hepatitis C diagnosis and treatment, impact on engagement and behaviour of people who inject drugs, a service evaluation, the hooked C project. J Viral Hepat 2020; 27:576-584. [PMID: 31997542 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13269] [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] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
There is emerging evidence that Hepatitis C (HCV) treatment engagement is associated with change in drug behaviours and reduced drug-related death rates among people who inject drugs (PWID). The project aims to investigate whether HCV diagnosis and treatment engagement reduces all-cause mortality and drug-related death, and whether any effect is dependent on treatment regimen and intensity of engagement with staff. Case-control studies comparing: PWID with active HCV infection (PCR positive) to PWID HCV infected but spontaneously resolved (PCR negative); PCR-positive patients who engaged with treatment services to nonengagers; and patients who received interferon vs direct-acting antiviral (DAA) based treatment. No differences in risk of all-cause mortality or drug-related death between PCR-negative controls and PCR-positive cases were detected. The odds of all-cause mortality was 12.2 times higher in nonengaging persons compared to treatment engaging cases (aOR 12.15, 95% CI 7.03-20.99, P < .001). The odds of a drug-related death were 5.5 times higher in nonengaging persons compared with treatment engaging cases (aOR 5.52, 95% CI 2.67- 11.44, P < .001). No differences in risk of all-cause mortality or drug-related death between interferon-treated cases and DAA-treated controls were detected. HCV treatment engagement is significantly protective against all-cause mortality and drug-related death. This engagement effect is independent of treatment regimen, with the introduction of DAA therapies not increasing risk of drug-related death, suggesting intensity of HCV therapy provider interaction is not an important factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Caven
- Gut Group, Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland
| | - Emma M Robinson
- Gut Group, Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland.,Department of Gastroenterology, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, Scotland
| | - Ann J Eriksen
- Public Health Directorate, NHS Tayside, Kings Cross Hospital, Dundee, Scotland
| | - Emma H Fletcher
- Gut Group, Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland.,Public Health Directorate, NHS Tayside, Kings Cross Hospital, Dundee, Scotland
| | - John F Dillon
- Gut Group, Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland.,Department of Gastroenterology, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, Scotland
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31
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Lafferty L, Rance J, Grebely J, Dore GJ, Lloyd AR, Treloar C. Perceptions and concerns of hepatitis C reinfection following prison-wide treatment scale-up: Counterpublic health amid hepatitis C treatment as prevention efforts in the prison setting. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 77:102693. [PMID: 32045828 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C (HCV) infection is highly prevalent within the prison setting. Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies have changed the HCV treatment landscape, offering simple treatment (with minimal side-effects) and high efficacy. These advances have enabled the first real-world study of HCV treatment as prevention (TasP), the Surveillance and Treatment of Prisoners with hepatitis C (SToP-C) study. This paper draws on data from qualitative interviews completed with SToP-C participants following prison-wide DAA treatment scale-up. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 23 men in prison following HCV treatment completion to identify ongoing risk practices, perceptions of strategies for HCV prevention within the prison setting, experiences of HCV treatment (as prevention), and perceptions of reinfection following cure. Analysis was undertaken using a counterpublic health lens to identify risks and perceptions of reinfection among people treated for HCV within the prison setting. RESULTS Participants identified a number of challenges of meaningful HCV 'cure' in the absence of increased access to prevention strategies (e.g., opioid agonist therapy and prison needle syringe programs) along with concerns that 'cure' was only temporary whilst incarcerated. 'Cure' status included self-perceptions of being "clean", while also imposing responsibility on the individual to maintain their 'cure' status. CONCLUSION HCV DAA treatment is provided somewhat under the guise of 'cure is easy', but fails to address the ongoing risk factors experienced by people who inject drugs in prisons, as well as other people in prison who may be at risk of blood-to-blood exposure. Health messaging regarding HCV treatment and treatment for reinfection should be tailored to ensure patient-centred care. Health interventions in prison must address the whole person and the circumstances in which they live, not just the illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Lafferty
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Level 2, Goodsell Building, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Jake Rance
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Level 2, Goodsell Building, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Andrew R Lloyd
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Level 2, Goodsell Building, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia
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Mattingly TJ, Slejko JF, Perfetto EM, Kottilil S, Mullins CD. What Matters Most for Treatment Decisions in Hepatitis C: Effectiveness, Costs, and Altruism. PATIENT-PATIENT CENTERED OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2019; 12:631-638. [DOI: 10.1007/s40271-019-00378-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Elimination of hepatitis C virus infection among people who use drugs: Ensuring equitable access to prevention, treatment, and care for all. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 72:1-10. [PMID: 31345644 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There have been major strides towards the World Health Organization goal to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection as a global public health threat. The availability of simple, well-tolerated direct-acting antiviral therapies for HCV infection that can achieve a cure in >95% of people has provided an important tool to help achieve the global elimination targets. Encouragingly, therapy is highly effective among people receiving opioid agonist therapy and people who have recently injected drugs. Moving forward, major challenges include ensuring that new infections are prevented from occurring and that people who are living with HCV are tested, linked to care, treated, receive appropriate follow-up, and have equitable access to care. This editorial highlights key themes and articles in a special issue focusing on the elimination of HCV among people who inject drugs. An overarching consideration flowing from this work is how to ensure equitable access to HCV treatment and care for all. This special issue maps the field in relation to: HCV prevention; the cascade of HCV care; strategies to enhance testing, linkage to care, and treatment uptake; and HCV treatment and reinfection. In addition, papers draw attention to the 'risk environments' and socio-ecological determinants of HCV acquisition, barriers to HCV care, the importance of messaging around the side-effects of new direct-acting antiviral therapies, the positive transformative potential of treatment and cure, and the key role of community-based drug user organizations in the HCV response. While this special issue highlights some successful efforts towards HCV elimination among people who inject drugs, it also highlights the relative lack of attention to settings in which resources enabling elimination are scarce, and where elimination hopes and potentials are less clear, such as in many low and middle income countries. Strengthening capacity in areas of the world where resources are more limited will be a critical step towards ensuring equity for all so that global HCV elimination among PWID can be achieved.
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Kanzaki N, Iwane S, Oeda S, Okada M, Kimura H, Eguchi Y, Fujimoto K. Categorization and Characterization of Activities Designed to Help Health-care Professionals Involved in Hepatitis Care Increase Their Awareness of the Disease: The Classification of Hepatitis Medical Care Coordinators. Intern Med 2019; 58:1825-1834. [PMID: 30799338 PMCID: PMC6663536 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.1755-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to investigate the current state of the activities performed by hepatitis medical care coordinators, categorize coordinators according to the activities they perform, and determine the backgrounds of these coordinators. Methods A self-administered questionnaire survey was completed by 414 coordinators. The surveyed items included gender, occupation, activity items performed, and barriers that inhibited the performance of these activities. A hierarchical cluster analysis was applied, and cases were classified based on the contents of the activities in question. Results The coordinators were classified into four groups (A-D). Group A, consisting primarily of public health nurses, was classified as "the type that conducted activities aimed at providing information and recommendations." Group B, which included registered dieticians and clerks, was classified as "the type that uses multidisciplinary collaboration to perform their tasks." Group C, which included clinical nurses, was classified as "the type that was more likely to perform activities as leaders in an organization." Group D, consisting primarily of pharmacists, was classified as "the type that promoted activities centered on providing instructions regarding medication dosage and administration." Conclusion Our study showed that coordinators' professional skills and abilities are reflected in the contents of the activities they conduct, and that, to adequately perform their roles, they must acquire skills in addition to those required in their original occupations. To implement high-quality hepatitis countermeasures, there is a need to foster an environment that facilitates cooperation between coordinators, as well as relationship-building.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naruyo Kanzaki
- Department of Medicine Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Saga University, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Hiromi Kimura
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Japan
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Bryant J, Rance J, Hull P, Mao L, Treloar C. Making sense of 'side effects': Counterpublic health in the era of direct-acting antivirals. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 72:77-83. [PMID: 31221475 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Direct-Acting Antiviral (DAA) treatments for hepatitis C have been widely promoted by health promotion professionals and medical clinicians as being 'side-effect free'. In this paper, we draw on data that troubles this approach. We used a mixed method design to collect data from people who inject drugs, and who were DAA treatment naïve, in New South Wales, Australia. We describe knowledge about and perceptions of DAA treatment. We found that concerns about side effects were commonplace - for example, one-third (37%) of participants who had not taken up treatment worried "a lot" about 'side effects' - and that these concerns were underpinned by a general distrust and suspicion of medical institutions and their technologies, including widespread negative associations linked to interferon treatment. In trying to make sense of this, we draw on the concept of counterpublic health and its recognition that the everyday health needs, knowledges and aspirations of subordinated citizens frequently contradict the normative frameworks governing public health interventions. We suggest that failing to engage with concerns about 'side effects' could hinder elimination efforts. Our analysis suggests that addressing the issue of 'side effects' within the 'public' discourse of DAAs will not dampen or damage elimination efforts, as some might fear, but rather it will legitimate the concerns of people who inject, decrease their suspicion of medical interventions, and better support the uptake of DAA treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Bryant
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia.
| | - Jake Rance
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia.
| | - Peter Hull
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia.
| | - Limin Mao
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia.
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia.
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Høj SB, Jacka B, Minoyan N, Artenie AA, Bruneau J. Conceptualising access in the direct-acting antiviral era: An integrated framework to inform research and practice in HCV care for people who inject drugs. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 72:11-23. [PMID: 31003825 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
As direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy costs fall and eligibility criteria are relaxed, people who inject drugs (PWID) will increasingly become eligible for HCV treatment. Yet eligibility does not necessarily equate to access. Amidst efforts to expand treatment uptake in this population, we seek to synthesise and clarify the conceptual underpinnings of access to health care for PWID, with a view to informing research and practice. Integrating dominant frameworks of health service utilisation, care seeking processes, and ecological perspectives on health promotion, we present a comprehensive theoretical framework to understand, investigate and intervene upon barriers and facilitators to HCV care for PWID. Built upon the concept of Candidacy, the framework describes access to care as a continually negotiated product of the alignment between individuals, health professionals, and health systems. Individuals must identify themselves as candidates for services and then work to stake this claim; health professionals serve as gatekeepers, adjudicating asserted candidacies within the context of localised operating conditions; and repeated interactions build experiential knowledge and patient-practitioner relationships, influencing identification and assertion of candidacy over time. These processes occur within a complex social ecology of interdependent individual, service, system, and policy factors, on which other established theories provide guidance. There is a pressing need for a deliberate and nuanced theory of health care access to complement efforts to document the HCV 'cascade of care' among PWID. We offer this framework as an organising device for observational research, intervention, and implementation science to expand access to HCV care in this vulnerable population. Using practical examples from the HCV literature, we demonstrate its utility for specifying research questions and intervention targets across multiple levels of influence; describing and testing plausible effect mechanisms; and identifying potential threats to validity or barriers to research translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stine Bordier Høj
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2X 0A9, Canada.
| | - Brendan Jacka
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Nanor Minoyan
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2X 0A9, Canada; École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal, 7101 Avenue du Parc, Montréal, Québec, H3N 1X9, Canada
| | - Andreea Adelina Artenie
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2X 0A9, Canada; École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal, 7101 Avenue du Parc, Montréal, Québec, H3N 1X9, Canada
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2X 0A9, Canada; Département de Médicine Familiale et Médecine d'Urgence, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3J7, Canada.
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Goutzamanis S, Doyle J, Higgs P, Hellard M. Improving hepatitis C direct-acting antiviral access and uptake: A role for patient-reported outcomes and lived experience. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:218-223. [PMID: 30315689 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus contributes to substantial and growing mortality and morbidity. Fortunately, the advent of highly effective interferon-free direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications and new diagnostic tests has the potential to dramatically alter the epidemiologic trajectory of hepatitis C, particularly for "hard-to-reach" populations. Treatment advances and cure will also likely alter the individual experience of living with hepatitis C. However, it is not yet known in what capacity. This paper provides an overview of the population-level impact of DAA treatment, highlighting the need to further our understanding of the impact of treatment on behaviour, health and wellbeing through lived experience and more sensitive patient-reported outcome measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stelliana Goutzamanis
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Population Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joseph Doyle
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Peter Higgs
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Population Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
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