Bauquier C, Préau M. Contribution of HIV/AIDS-Related Human and Social Sciences Research to a Better Understanding of the Challenges of Hepatitis B Prevention, Diagnosis and Care.
Microorganisms 2021;
9:microorganisms9061166. [PMID:
34071536 PMCID:
PMC8230355 DOI:
10.3390/microorganisms9061166]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent scientific advances in hepatitis B virus research hint at the possibility of finding a cure in the medium term. In this context, the characterization of infected persons constitutes a major public health issue in terms of implementing adapted screening and prevention strategies. Overcoming the current challenges national health systems face in hepatitis B diagnosis is essential if the World Health Organization’s target of treating 80% of infected patients by 2030 is to be reached. These challenges reflect those previously faced in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Using the knowledge produced to date in Human and Social Sciences research in the fight against HIV/AIDS, we propose avenues of reflection to support and guide the development of research in the diagnosis of hepatitis B infection. More specifically, we present theoretical, methodological and epistemological considerations for how HSS research can be optimized in the following three HBV diagnosis-related areas: (i) access to screening; (ii) retention in care; and (iii) the integration of quality of life measurement in clinical trials.
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