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Lafferty L, Altice FL, Leone F, Stoové M, Lloyd AR, Hajarizadeh B, Kronfli N. Using nominal group technique with people who are incarcerated in Canadian federal prisons to identify barriers and solutions to improving Prison Needle Exchange Program uptake. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 131:104549. [PMID: 39141957 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prison needle exchange programs (PNEPs) are a critical component for harm reduction in prisons. Little is known about the PNEP access barriers for people who are incarcerated, but the low uptake in the Canadian program highlights these constraints. We aimed to identify the barriers and potential solutions for increasing PNEP coverage in the nine Canadian federal prisons where they operate. METHODS Eighteen focus groups were conducted in nine prisons using nominal group technique (NGT) with two stakeholders: peer advocates and people who use or identified as potential users of the PNEP. NGT uses a round-robin technique followed by generating a list of barriers to PNEP enrolment within their prison. Participants then allocated votes to rank the highest priority barriers, followed by an identical process to generate solutions to address the top three barriers. Interview transcripts describing participant narratives during this process were de-identified and coded to generated themes. Barriers and solutions receiving >10 % of votes within respective participant groups, alongside associated narratives, are discussed more fully. RESULTS Fear of repercussions due to drug use, lack of confidentiality, and fear of being targeted and sanctioned by correctional authorities were perceived by both stakeholder groups as the top barriers inhibiting PNEP enrolment. Stigma (peer advocates) and the application process for the program (PNEP users) were also ranked as a priority. Proposed solutions included education and external oversight of PNEP (i.e., not via correctional officers) by both groups. Peer advocates regarded improving participant confidentiality and a supervised/safe injection site as potential enablers for program participation, while PNEP users identified wrap-around services as likely to improve access. CONCLUSION Barriers to increasing PNEP coverage in Canadian federal prisons proposed by participants highlight the importance of trust and perceived repercussions surrounding program participation. These barriers and proposed solutions highlight a need for changes in implementation to PNEP delivery if the potential health benefits of PNEPs are to be realised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Lafferty
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Level 1, Goodsell Building, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia; The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Frederick L Altice
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine, 135 College St., Suite 323, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA; Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Frederic Leone
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mark Stoové
- Behaviours and Health Risks, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia; Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew R Lloyd
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Behzad Hajarizadeh
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Nadine Kronfli
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease and Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Kronfli N, Lafferty L, Leone F, Stoové M, Hajarizadeh B, Lloyd AR, Altice FL. Using nominal group technique to identify perceived barriers and facilitators to improving uptake of the Prison Needle Exchange Program in Canadian federal prisons by correctional officers and healthcare workers. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 130:104540. [PMID: 39079352 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104540] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elimination of bloodborne viruses including HIV and hepatitis C virus from prisons requires high coverage of evidence-based interventions that prevent bloodborne virus transmission, including needle and syringe programs. Canada launched a Prison Needle Exchange Program (PNEP) in nine federal prisons in 2018; however, uptake among people who inject drugs in prison remains low. We aimed to explore barriers and facilitators to improving PNEP uptake identified by correctional officers and healthcare workers. METHODS Participants from nine federal prisons with PNEP completed focus groups using nominal group technique, a rapid mixed-method consensus strategy. Responses were generated, rank-ordered, and prioritized by each stakeholder group. We identified the highest-ranking responses (≥10 % of the overall votes) to questions about barriers and facilitators to PNEP uptake. RESULTS Between September 2023 and February 2024, 16 focus groups were conducted with 118 participants (n = 51 correctional officers; n = 67 healthcare workers). Among correctional officers, the top perceived barriers were bullying from peers (22 %), fear of being targeted by correctional officers (14 %), and fear of repercussions due to drug use (13 %). The top facilitators were safe injection sites (30 %), provision of wrap-around services (16 %), and education of correctional officers (10 %). Among healthcare workers, the top perceived barriers were lack of confidentiality (16 %), fear of being targeted by correctional officers (12 %), and a long and complex application process (11 %). The top facilitators were education of correctional officers (29 %), delivery of PNEP by an external provider (15 %), automatic approval for participation in the PNEP (13 %), and safe injection sites (12 %). CONCLUSION Multiple modifiable barriers and solutions to improving PNEP uptake in Canadian federal prisons were identified by correctional employees. Both participant groups identified the potential for safe injection sites and education to correctional officers as enabling PNEP uptake. These data will inform Canadian efforts to improve engagement and to expand PNEP coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Kronfli
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease and Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Lise Lafferty
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Level 1, Goodsell Building, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Frederic Leone
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mark Stoové
- Behaviours and Health Risks, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Behzad Hajarizadeh
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Andrew R Lloyd
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Level 6, Wallace Wurth, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Frederick L Altice
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine. 135 College St., Suite 323, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Walker SJ, Shrestha LB, Lloyd AR, Dawson O, Sheehan Y, Sheehan J, Maduka NBC, Cabezas J, Akiyama MJ, Kronfli N. Barriers and advocacy needs for hepatitis C services in prisons: Informing the prisons hepatitis C advocacy toolkit. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 126:104386. [PMID: 38492433 PMCID: PMC11106844 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carceral settings are a key focus of the 2030 WHO global hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination goals. Despite this, access to HCV testing and treatment services in prisons remains low globally, limiting opportunities to achieve these goals. Advocacy efforts are needed to address service inequities and mobilise support for enhanced HCV programs in prisons globally. INHSU Prisons, a special interest group of the International Network on Health and Hepatitis in Substance Users (INHSU) is developing a Prisons HCV Advocacy Toolkit to address this need. Here we present findings of a mixed study to inform the development of the Toolkit. METHODS The aim of this study was to inform the development of the Toolkit, including understanding barriers for scaling up prison-based HCV services globally and advocacy needs to address these. An online survey (n = 181) and in-depth interviews (n = 25) were conducted with key stakeholders from countries of different economic status globally. Quantitative data were statistically analysed using R Studio and qualitative data were analysed thematically. The data sets were merged using a convergent design. RESULTS Key barriers for enhanced prison-based HCV services included lack of political will and action, lack of prison-based healthcare resources, and poor awareness about HCV and the importance of prison-based HCV services. These findings underscore how advocacy efforts are needed to motivate policymakers to prioritise HCV healthcare in prisons and ensure funds are available for services (including diagnostic tools and treatment, healthcare teams to implement services, and systems to measure their success). Advocacy resources to raise the awareness of policy makers, people working in the prison sector, and incarcerated populations were also identified as key to increasing HCV service uptake. CONCLUSION The Toolkit has the potential to support advocacy efforts for reaching HCV elimination targets. By understanding the advocacy needs of potential Toolkit end-users, the findings can inform its development and increase its accessibility, acceptability, and uptake for a globally diverse audience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley J Walker
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia; Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Lok B Shrestha
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia
| | - Andrew R Lloyd
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia
| | - Olivia Dawson
- The International Network on Health and Hepatitis in Substance Users (INHSU)
| | - Yumi Sheehan
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Joaquin Cabezas
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, University Hospital Marques de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain; Clinical and Translational Research in Digestive Diseases, Valdecilla Research Institute (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain
| | - Matthew J Akiyama
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine / Montefiore Medical Centre, New York, USA
| | - Nadine Kronfli
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Whitten C, Turner A, Howell B, Sparkes B, Ricciardelli R, Daley P. Retrospective review of rates of sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) testing in provincial corrections facilities in Newfoundland and Labrador. JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE CANADA = JOURNAL OFFICIEL DE L'ASSOCIATION POUR LA MICROBIOLOGIE MEDICALE ET L'INFECTIOLOGIE CANADA 2023; 8:141-149. [PMID: 38250290 PMCID: PMC10795699 DOI: 10.3138/jammi-2022-0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Background Sexually transmitted and blood borne infection (STBBI) testing is recommended for people who are incarcerated (PWAI). We sought to determine the rate of STBBI testing during admissions to provincial correctional institutions in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). Methods This retrospective cohort study collected the identification of all admissions records in provincial correctional facilities in NL between July 1, 2020 and June 31, 2021 using the Provincial Corrections Offender Maintenance System database. Admissions to provincial detention centers were excluded. Records were linked with STBBI results, when available, within the electronic medical record (Meditech) using demographics. Testing rates, STBBI positivity rates, and univariate analysis of predictors for STBBI testing were completed. Results Of the 1,824 admissions identified, 1,716 were available for linkage to laboratory results. Admissions to detention centers (n = 105) were excluded. Any STBBI test result was available for 72 (4.5%) of admissions. No admission had complete testing for all STBBI. Facility testing rates ranged from 1.9 to 11.2% and 37.5% of STBBI tests had any positive results. Sixteen out of the 21 (76.2%) hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody positives received HCV RNA testing, and 11/16 (88.8%) were HCV RNA positive. Institution (p = 0.001) and sex (p = 0.004) were found to be significant predictors of STBBI testing, while age was not significant (p = 0.496). Conclusions STBBI testing rates were low in provincial correctional facilities in NL, and STBBI prevalence, especially for HCV, was high among those tested. Strategies to increase the rate of testing could contribute to STBBI control in corrections facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Whitten
- Eastern Health, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Memorial University, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Alison Turner
- Eastern Health, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Brittany Howell
- Eastern Health, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | | | - Rosemary Ricciardelli
- Memorial University, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Peter Daley
- Eastern Health, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
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Jiang N, Bruneau J, Makarenko I, Minoyan N, Zang G, Høj SB, Larney S, Martel-Laferrière V. HCV treatment initiation in the era of universal direct acting antiviral coverage - Improvements in access and persistent barriers. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 113:103954. [PMID: 36758334 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.103954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Barriers to HCV treatment initiation persisted after the introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in Canada among people who inject drugs (PWID); whether DAA universal coverage lifted these barriers remain unknown. We assessed the evolution of HCV treatment initiation and associated factors among PWID in Montreal, Canada, comparing eras of IFN-based regimens (2011-2013), of DAA restricted access (2014-02/2018), and universal coverage (03/2018-03/2020). METHODS We included chronically HCV-infected participants followed in a community-based PWID cohort in Montreal, Canada between 2011 and 03/2020 and collected data at 3-month intervals. Time-updated Cox regressions were conducted to examine 9 variables of interest associated with treatment initiation overall and for each of the three eras. RESULTS Of 276 participants, 126 initiated treatment during follow-up. Yearly initiation increased from 3% in 2011 to 19% in 2016, and 54% in 2018. PWID aged >40 (vs. ≤40) were twice as likely to initiate treatment in 2014-02/2018 (HR: 2.02 95%CI: [1.24-3.28]) but not in other periods (2011-2013: 0.55 [0.25-1.22]; 03/2018-03/2020: 1.14 [0.59-2.22])). Odds of initiation were lower for men than women in all periods, with women three times more likely to be treated under universal coverage (0.30 [0.11-0.77] vs 2011-2013: 0.67 [0.25-1.78] and 2014-02/2018: 0.75 [0.42-1.35]). Recent incarceration was negatively associated with initiation throughout all periods (2011-2013: 0.57 [0.13-2.43]; 2014-03/2018: 0.39 [0.17-0.91]; 03/2018-03/2020: 0.25 [0.07-0.83]). Barriers associated with high injection frequency appear to have diminished since DAA introduction (2014-02/2018: 0.71 [0.42-1.20]; 03/2018-03/2020: 1.05 [0.52-2.11] vs. 2011-2013: 0.26 [0.08-0.88]). Contact with a primary care physician and engagement in opioid agonist therapy were positively associated with treatment initiation, though estimates were attenuated under universal coverage relative to previous eras. CONCLUSION Treatment initiation rates have increased since the introduction of universal DAA coverage, though barriers such as incarceration persist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Jiang
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2×0A9, Canada
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2×0A9, Canada; Département de Médecine Familiale et Médecine d'Urgence, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Iuliia Makarenko
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2×0A9, Canada; Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, 845 rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Nanor Minoyan
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2×0A9, Canada; École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal, 7101 Avenue du Parc, Montréal, Québec, H3N 1×9, Canada
| | - Geng Zang
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2×0A9, Canada
| | - Stine Bordier Høj
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2×0A9, Canada
| | - Sarah Larney
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2×0A9, Canada
| | - Valérie Martel-Laferrière
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2×0A9, Canada; Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3J7, Canada.
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Identifying barriers and enablers to opt-out hepatitis C virus screening in provincial prisons in Quebec, Canada: A multilevel, multi-theory informed qualitative study with correctional and healthcare professional stakeholders. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 109:103837. [PMID: 36030569 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diffuse implementation of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment is dependent on universal screening for HCV, but screening strategies are heterogenous across prisons in the province of Quebec (Canada). We sought to identify barriers and enablers to universal opt-out HCV screening and to describe the multisectoral decision-making processes related to HCV screening in Quebec provincial prisons. METHODS A multilevel, multi-theory informed qualitative descriptive approach was used to conduct semi-structured interviews. Interview guides and analyses with correctional stakeholders were informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and those with healthcare professionals (HCPs) were based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Directed content analysis was used to identify domains within CFIR and TDF reflecting barriers and enablers to opt-out HCV screening. RESULTS Sixteen interviews (correctional stakeholders: n = 8; HCPs: n = 8) were conducted in April-May 2021. Twelve CFIR constructs were identified as barriers, seven as enablers, and two as neutral factors for the implementation of opt-out HCV screening. Correctional stakeholders underscored the need for political will (construct: external policy and incentives), highlighted limited resources (construct: available resources), and expressed concerns for the lack of consideration of implementation issues (constructs: trialability, planning). Six TDF domains were identified among HCPs as relevant to the implementation of opt-out HCV screening: beliefs about consequences (mixed = enablers and barriers), environmental context and resources (barrier), social influences (barrier), optimism (mixed), emotions (mixed), and behavioural regulation (barrier). The decision-making processes vis-à-vis HCV care in Quebec correctional settings were found to be hierarchical and complex. CONCLUSIONS The use of CFIR and TDF was helpful in identifying barriers and enablers to HCV screening at multiple levels for people incarcerated in Quebec provincial prisons. Going forward, several political, structural, and organizational factors should be addressed through the engagement of stakeholders and people with lived experience of incarceration.
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Willemsma K, Barton L, Stimpson R, Pickell I, Ryan V, Yu A, Pederson A, Ogilvie G, Grennan T, Wong J. Characterizing female infectious syphilis cases in British Columbia to identify opportunities for optimization of care. CANADA COMMUNICABLE DISEASE REPORT = RELEVE DES MALADIES TRANSMISSIBLES AU CANADA 2022; 48:68-75. [PMID: 35342372 PMCID: PMC8889918 DOI: 10.14745/ccdr.v48i23a03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The rate of infectious syphilis continues to increase among females in British Columbia (BC) and Canada, raising concerns of increased incidence of congenital syphilis. We characterized syphilis cases among females in BC to identify opportunities to prevent syphilis and optimize its care. Methods All cases of infectious syphilis diagnosed in BC between March 13, 2018 and December 31, 2020 and reported as female gender were reviewed. Demographics, risk factors and concurrent conditions were collected from a provincial surveillance system. Subgroup analyses comparing cases with and without housing instability, substance use, mental illness and a recent sexually transmitted infection (STI) were conducted to understand differences between these subgroups. Statistical associations were calculated using chi-square or t-tests. Results There were 226 reported cases of female infectious syphilis in BC during this period: 38 (16.8%) in 2018; 74 (32.7%) in 2019; and 114 (50.4%) in 2020. Mean age was 32 years (range 15-75 years). Of those who reported concurrent conditions, most cases had experiences with housing instability (71.1%), substance use (68.2%) and mental illness (83.9%), while 42.9% had a recent STI. Cases who reported housing instability or substance use were significantly more likely to have experiences with a recent STI, street involvement, transactional sex, mental illness and income assistance (all p<0.01). Conclusion Our findings highlight the importance of fostering an enabling environment for syphilis care. Concurrent services to support individuals with syphilis as well as housing instability, substance use and mental illness, may help prevent syphilis and improve wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaylie Willemsma
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | | | | | | | | | - Amanda Yu
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC
| | - Ann Pederson
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
- BC Women’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC
| | - Gina Ogilvie
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC
- BC Women’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC
| | - Troy Grennan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC
| | - Jason Wong
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC
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Duchesne L, Dussault C, Godin A, Maheu-Giroux M, Kronfli N. Implementing opt-out hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening in Canadian provincial prisons: A model-based cost-effectiveness analysis. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 96:103345. [PMID: 34176704 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103345] [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] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Implementing opt-out hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening across Canadian provincial prisons is crucial to achieving micro-elimination. Given short incarceration lengths, the most cost-effective screening strategy remains unknown. We compared the cost-effectiveness of current standard of care (venipuncture-based HCV-antibody+HCV RNA) and 13 alternative strategies in Quebec's largest provincial prison. METHODS A prison cohort was simulated with a Markov micro-simulation model. Strategies differed in the biomarkers, sampling methods, and number of tests used. The model considered incarceration lengths, time to linkage to care (LTC), nursing costs, and tests' costs, performances, acceptability and turnaround times. Outcomes included costs (Canadian dollars, CAD$), number of true positives linked to care, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs, additional $/additional TP-L). A one-year time horizon and health-payer perspective were adopted. RESULTS Across all analyses, three strategies consistently provided the best value for money: venipuncture-based HCV-antibody+HCV-core antigen, venipuncture-based HCV-core antigen (base-case ICER=~ $720), and point-of-care HCV-antibody+HCV RNA (base-case ICER=$4,310). However, these strategies linked only 23%-29% viremic individuals to care. Main drivers of cost-effectiveness were the seroprevalence, proportion viremic, and time to LTC. CONCLUSION Alternative strategies would be more cost-effective than standard of care for implementing opt-out screening in provincial prisons. However, interventions to maximize LTC should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Duchesne
- Institut de Médecine et d'Epidémiologie Appliquée, Fondation Internationale Léon Mba, Paris, France
| | - Camille Dussault
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Arnaud Godin
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Mathieu Maheu-Giroux
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Nadine Kronfli
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease and Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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