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Desai A, O'Neal L, Reinis K, Brown C, Stefanowicz M, Kuang A, Agrawal D, Bhavnani D, Mercer T. Identifying barriers and facilitators along the hepatitis C care cascade to inform human-centered design of contextualized treatment protocols for vulnerable populations in Austin, Texas: a qualitative study. Implement Sci Commun 2023; 4:98. [PMID: 37592306 PMCID: PMC10436407 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-023-00484-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of liver-related mortality and morbidity. Despite effective direct acting antivirals and a simplified treatment algorithm, limited access to HCV treatment in vulnerable populations, including people experiencing homelessness (PEH) and people who inject drugs (PWID), hinders global elimination. Adapting the evidence-based, simplified HCV treatment algorithm to the organizational and contextual realities of non-traditional clinic settings serving vulnerable populations can help overcome specific barriers to HCV care. The first phase of the Erase Hep C study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators specific to these vulnerable populations to design the site-specific, simplified treatment protocols. METHODS Forty-two semi-structured qualitative interviews, guided by the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM) framework, were conducted with clinic staff, community-based organizations providing screening and linkage to care, and patients diagnosed with HCV, to identify contextual barriers and facilitators to treatment at a local community health center's Health Care for the Homeless program in Austin, Texas. Audio-recorded interviews were systematically analyzed using thematic analysis informed by the PRISM framework and design thinking, to anchor barriers and facilitators along the HCV care cascade. Findings were fed into human-centered design workshops to co-design, with clinic staff, site-specific, simplified HCV treatment protocols. RESULTS The specific needs of PEH and PWID patient populations informed barriers and facilitators of HCV care. Barriers included tracking patients who miss critical appointments or labs, medication access and adherence, and patient HCV knowledge. Clinical teams leveraged existing facilitators and incorporated solutions to barriers into clinic workflows to improve care coordination and medication access. Actionable solutions included augmenting existing staff roles, employing HCV care navigation throughout the cascade, and standardizing medication adherence counseling. CONCLUSIONS Clinic staff identified HCV care facilitators to leverage, and designed actionable solutions to address barriers, to incorporate into site-specific treatment protocols to improve patient HCV outcomes. Methods used to incorporate staff and patient experiential knowledge into the design of contextualized treatment protocols in non-traditional clinic settings could serve as a model for future implementation research. The next phase of the study is protocol implementation and patient enrollment into a single-arm trial to achieve HCV cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anmol Desai
- Department of Population Health, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, USA
| | - Lauren O'Neal
- The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, USA
| | - Kia Reinis
- Department of Population Health, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, USA
| | - Cristal Brown
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, USA
- CommUnityCare Health Centers, Austin, USA
| | - Michael Stefanowicz
- Department of Population Health, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, USA
- CommUnityCare Health Centers, Austin, USA
| | - Audrey Kuang
- Department of Population Health, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, USA
- CommUnityCare Health Centers, Austin, USA
| | - Deepak Agrawal
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, USA
| | - Darlene Bhavnani
- Department of Population Health, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, USA
| | - Tim Mercer
- Department of Population Health, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, USA.
- CommUnityCare Health Centers, Austin, USA.
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Krekulová L, Damajka T, Krumphanslová Z, Řehák V. Pilot Outreach Program in Remedis-The Promising Step toward HCV Elimination among People Who Inject Drugs. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:501. [PMID: 36612821 PMCID: PMC9819867 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010501] [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: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The global effort to eliminate HCV infection requires new approaches to accessing and testing the affected population in a setting with as low of a threshold as possible. The focus should be on socially marginalized people who inject drugs (PWIDs) and who are not willing or able to visit standard medical services. With this vision, we established an outreach service-a testing point in an ambulance in the park in front of the Main Railway Station of the capital city of Prague-to provide bloodborne disease testing and treatment. The service was available every week on Wednesday afternoon. Over the initial two years of our experience, 168 unique people were tested. Of them, 82 (49%) were diagnosed with chronic HCV infection and were eligible for treatment with antivirals. Of these, 24 (29%) initiated antiviral treatment over the study period, and 17 (71%) of these individuals achieved a documented sustained virological response. Offering medical services in PWIDs' neighborhoods helps overcome barriers and increase the chances that they will become patients and begin HCV treatment. The described outcomes appear promising for reaching the vision of linkage to the care of such a hard-to-reach population and can serve as a feasible model of care for further expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Krekulová
- Remedis, s.r.o., Vladimírova 10, 140 00 Prague 4, Czech Republic
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Kateřinská 32, 128 00 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Damajka
- Remedis, s.r.o., Vladimírova 10, 140 00 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | | | - Vratislav Řehák
- Remedis, s.r.o., Vladimírova 10, 140 00 Prague 4, Czech Republic
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Paisi M, Crombag N, Burns L, Bogaerts A, Withers L, Bates L, Crowley D, Witton R, Shawe J. Barriers and facilitators to hepatitis C screening and treatment for people with lived experience of homelessness: A mixed-methods systematic review. Health Expect 2022; 25:48-60. [PMID: 34862710 PMCID: PMC8849376 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People experiencing homelessness have an increased risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, with rates higher than the general population. However, their access to HCV diagnosis is limited and treatment uptake is low. OBJECTIVES To identify and describe the barriers and facilitators for HCV screening and treatment for adults with lived experience of homelessness in highly developed countries. METHODS Bibliographic databases (Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL and SocINDEX) and grey literature (Google, EThOS, the Health Foundation, Social Care Online, the World Health Organisation, Shelter, Crisis and Pathway) were searched. Two reviewers independently screened and appraised all studies. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool and the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist were used. The analysis involved a three-stage process: coding, theme generation and theme mapping under Penchansky and Thomas's modified access model. RESULTS Twelve papers/reports were included in the review. Several interacting factors influence access of people with lived experience of homelessness to HCV testing and treatment. Some mirror those identified for the general population. The precarious conditions associated with the lived experience of homelessness along with the rigidity of hospital settings and lack of awareness emerged as dominant barriers. Flexibility, outreach, effective communication, tailoring and integration of services were found to be important facilitators. Evidence from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups is limited. CONCLUSIONS People experiencing homelessness face multiple barriers in accessing and completing HCV treatment, relating to both their lived experience and characteristics of health systems. Although some barriers are readily amenable to change, others are more difficult to modify. The facilitators identified could inform future targeted measures to improve HCV diagnosis and treatment for people experiencing homelessness. Research is warranted into successful models to promote screening, diagnosis and treatment. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Our team includes a peer advocate, a hepatology nurse and a community volunteer, all with significant experience in promoting and engaging in HCV care and outreach for people experiencing homelessness. They contributed to the protocol, interpretation and reporting of the review findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Paisi
- School of Nursing and MidwiferyUniversity of PlymouthPlymouthUK
- Peninsula Dental SchoolUniversity of PlymouthPlymouthUK
| | - Neeltje Crombag
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Urogenital, Abdominal and Plastic SurgeryKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Lorna Burns
- Peninsula Dental SchoolUniversity of PlymouthPlymouthUK
| | - Annick Bogaerts
- School of Nursing and MidwiferyUniversity of PlymouthPlymouthUK
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Unit Woman and ChildKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Research and Innovation in Care (CRIC)University of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | | | - Laura Bates
- Hepatology Nursing TeamUniversity Hospitals Plymouth NHS TrustPlymouthUK
| | | | - Robert Witton
- Peninsula Dental SchoolUniversity of PlymouthPlymouthUK
| | - Jill Shawe
- School of Nursing and MidwiferyUniversity of PlymouthPlymouthUK
- Royal Cornwall NHS TrustCornwallUK
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Gibbs D, Price O, Grebely J, Larney S, Sutherland R, Read P, Butler K, Degenhardt L, Peacock A. Hepatitis C virus cascade of care among people who inject drugs in Australia: Factors associated with testing and treatment in a universal healthcare system. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 228:109050. [PMID: 34607193 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.109050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding factors associated with engagement across the hepatitis C virus (HCV) cascade of care (CoC) among people who inject drugs (PWID) is critical for developing targeted interventions to enhance engagement and further HCV elimination efforts. We describe the CoC among Australian PWID, and identify factors associated with engagement at each stage. METHODS As part of the 2018 and 2019 Illicit Drug Reporting System, Australians who regularly inject drugs reported lifetime HCV antibody and RNA testing, treatment uptake and completion. Multivariable logistic regression identified characteristics associated with outcomes. RESULTS Of 1499 participants, 87% reported antibody testing. Of those, 70% reported RNA testing, of whom 60% reported being RNA positive. Among those, 76% reported initiating treatment, 78% of whom completed. Incarceration history (adjusted odds ratio 1.90; 95% confidence interval 1.28-2.82), current opioid agonist treatment (OAT) (1.99; 1.14-3.47), and recent alcohol and other drug (AOD) counselling (2.22; 1.27-3.88) were associated with antibody testing. Incarceration history (1.42; 1.07-1.87), and current OAT (2.07; 1.51-2.86) were associated with RNA testing. Current OAT (1.92; 1.22-3.03) and recent AOD counselling (1.91; 1.16-3.13) were associated with treatment uptake. Methamphetamine as drug injected most often in the last month was associated with reduced odds of antibody (0.41; 0.25-0.66) and RNA testing (0.54; 0.40-0.74), compared to heroin. CONCLUSION CoC engagement amongst Australian PWID is encouraging, with AOD service engagement associated with testing and treatment. Further efforts to reach those not service engaged, particularly those not receiving OAT or who predominantly inject methamphetamine, are needed to achieve HCV elimination targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Gibbs
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Olivia Price
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Sarah Larney
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Département de médecine famille et de médecine d'urgence/Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Canada
| | - Rachel Sutherland
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Phillip Read
- Kirketon Road Centre, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, NSW, Australia
| | - Kerryn Butler
- Discipline of Addiction Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Amy Peacock
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
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Khalili M, Powell J, Park HH, Bush D, Naugle J, Ricco M, Magee C, Braimoh G, Zevin B, Fokuo JK, Masson CL. Shelter-Based Integrated Model Is Effective in Scaling Up Hepatitis C Testing and Treatment in Persons Experiencing Homelessness. Hepatol Commun 2021; 6:50-64. [PMID: 34628726 PMCID: PMC8710795 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence is high among people experiencing homelessness, but barriers to scaling up HCV testing and treatment persist. We aimed to implement onsite HCV testing and education and evaluate the effectiveness of low‐barrier linkage to HCV therapy among individuals accessing homeless shelters. HCV rapid testing was performed at four large shelters in San Francisco (SF) and Minneapolis (MN). Sociodemographic status, HCV risk, barriers to testing, and interest in therapy were captured. Participants received information about HCV. Those testing positive underwent formal HCV education and onsite therapy. Multivariable modeling assessed predictors of receipt of HCV therapy and sustained virologic response (SVR). A total of 766 clients were tested. Median age was 53.7 years, 68.2% were male participants, 46.3% were Black, 27.5% were White, 13.2% were Hispanic, and 57.7% had high school education or less; 162 (21.1%) were HCV antibody positive, 107 (66.0%) had detectable HCV RNA (82.1% with active drug use, 53.8% history of psychiatric illness), 66 (61.7%) received HCV therapy, and 81.8% achieved SVR. On multivariate analysis, shelter location (MN vs. SF, odds ratio [OR], 0.3; P = 0.01) and having a health care provider (OR, 4.1; P = 0.02) were associated with receipt of therapy. On intention to treat analysis, the only predictor of SVR when adjusted for age, sex, and race was HCV medication adherence (OR, 14.5; P = 0.01). Conclusion: Leveraging existing homeless shelter infrastructure was successful in enhancing HCV testing and treatment uptake. Despite high rates of active substance use, psychiatric illness, and suboptimal adherence, over 80% achieved HCV cure. This highlights the critical importance of integrated models in HCV elimination efforts in people experiencing homelessness that can be applied to other shelter settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandana Khalili
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA.,University of California San Francisco Liver Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Helen H Park
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA.,School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Dylan Bush
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jessica Naugle
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, Street Medicine and Shelter Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Catherine Magee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Barry Zevin
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, Street Medicine and Shelter Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - J Konadu Fokuo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Carmen L Masson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Levander XA, Vega TA, Seaman A, Korthuis PT, Englander H. Utilising an access to care integrated framework to explore the perceptions of hepatitis C treatment of hospital-based interventions among people who use drugs. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 96:103356. [PMID: 34226111 PMCID: PMC8568624 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103356] [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: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gaps remain in the hepatitis C virus (HCV) care cascade for people who use drugs (PWUD). Acute medical or surgical illnesses requiring hospitalisation are an opportunity to address addiction, but how inpatient strategies could affect HCV care accessibility for PWUD remains unknown. We explored patient perspectives of hospital-based interventions using an integrated framework of access to HCV care. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study of hospitalised adults (n=27) with HCV and addiction admitted to an urban academic medical centre in the United States between June and November 2019. Individual interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and dual-coded. We analysed data with coding specific for hospital-based interventions including screening, conducting HCV-related laboratory work-up, starting treatment, connecting with peers, and coordinating outpatient care. We analysed coded data at the semantic level for emergent themes using a framework approach based off an integrated framework of access to HCV care. RESULTS The majority of participants primarily used opioids (78%), were white (85%) and men (67%). Participants frequently reported HCV screening during previous hospitalisation with rare inpatient connection to HCV-related services. Participants expressed willingness to discuss HCV treatment candidacy during hospitalisation; however, lack of inpatient conversations led to perception that "nothing could be done" during admission. Participants expressed interest in completing inpatient HCV work-up to "get the ball rollin'" - consolidating care would enhance outpatient service permeability by reducing barriers. Others resisted HCV care coordination, preferring to focus on "immediate" issues including health conditions and addiction treatment. Participants also expressed openness to engaging with peers about HCV, noting shared drug use experience as critical to a peer relationship when discussing HCV. CONCLUSION Hospitalised PWUD have varied priorities, necessitating adaptable interventions for addressing HCV. Hospitalisation can be an opportunity to address HCV access to care including identification of treatment eligibility, consolidation of care, and facilitation of HCV-related referrals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximena A Levander
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR, 97239 United States.
| | - Taylor A Vega
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, United States
| | - Andrew Seaman
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR, 97239 United States; Central City Concern, 232 NW 6th Ave., Portland, OR, 97209, United States
| | - P Todd Korthuis
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR, 97239 United States
| | - Honora Englander
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR, 97239 United States; Department of Medicine, Division of Hospital Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR, 97239 United States
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Masson CL, Fokuo JK, Anderson A, Powell J, Zevin B, Bush D, Khalili M. Clients' perceptions of barriers and facilitators to implementing hepatitis C virus care in homeless shelters. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:386. [PMID: 32471376 PMCID: PMC7260732 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05103-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is highly prevalent among homeless persons, yet barriers continue to impede HCV testing and treatment in this population. We studied the experiences of homeless individuals related to accessing HCV care to inform the design of a shelter-based HCV prevention and treatment program. Methods Homeless shelter clients (10 women and 10 men) of a large shelter in San Francisco participated in gender segregated focus groups. Focus groups followed a semi-structured interview format, which assessed individual, program/system, and societal-level barriers and facilitators to universal HCV testing and linkage to HCV care. Focus group interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results We identified key barriers to HCV testing and treatment at the individual level (limited knowledge and misconceptions about HCV infection, mistrust of health care providers, co-morbid conditions of substance use, psychiatric and chronic medical conditions), system level (limited advocacy for HCV services by shelter staff), and social level (stigma of homelessness). Individual, system, and social facilitators to HCV care described by participants included internal motivation, financial incentives, prior experiences with rapid HCV testing, and availability of affordable direct acting antiviral (DAA) treatment, respectively. Conclusions Interrelated individual- and social-level factors were the predominant barriers affecting homeless persons’ decisions to engage in HCV prevention and treatment. Integrated models of care for homeless persons at risk for or living with HCV address many of these factors, and should include interventions to improve patient knowledge of HCV and the availability of effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen L Masson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, Zuckerberg San Francisco General, Hospital and Trauma Center, 1001 Potrero Avenue, Building 20, Suite 2100, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA.
| | - J Konadu Fokuo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, Zuckerberg San Francisco General, Hospital and Trauma Center, 1001 Potrero Avenue, Building 20, Suite 2100, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
| | - August Anderson
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, Zuckerberg San Francisco General, Hospital and Trauma Center, 1001 Potrero Avenue, NH-3D, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
| | - Jesse Powell
- Hennepin Healthcare, 715 South 8th Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55404, USA
| | - Barry Zevin
- Street Medicine and Shelter Health, at the San Francisco Department of Public Health, 50 Ivy St, San Francisco, CA, 94102, USA
| | - Dylan Bush
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, Zuckerberg San Francisco General, 1001 Potrero Avenue, NH-3D, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
| | - Mandana Khalili
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, Zuckerberg San Francisco General, Hospital and Trauma Center, 1001 Potrero Avenue, NH-3D, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
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Bajis S, Grebely J, Cooper L, Smith J, Owen G, Chudleigh A, Hajarizadeh B, Martinello M, Adey S, Read P, Gilliver R, Applegate T, Treloar C, Maher L, Dore GJ. Hepatitis C virus testing, liver disease assessment and direct-acting antiviral treatment uptake and outcomes in a service for people who are homeless in Sydney, Australia: The LiveRLife homelessness study. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:969-979. [PMID: 30980785 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
People who are homeless have increased hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection risk, and are less likely to access primary healthcare. We aimed to evaluate HCV RNA prevalence, liver disease burden, linkage to care and treatment uptake and outcomes among people attending a homelessness service in Sydney. Participants were enrolled in an observational cohort study with recruitment at a homelessness service over eight liver health campaign days. Finger-stick whole-blood samples for Xpert® HCV Viral Load and venepuncture blood samples were collected. Participants completed a self-administered survey and received transient elastography and clinical assessment by a general practitioner or nurse. Clinical follow-up was recommended 2-12 weeks after enrolment. For participants initiating direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy, medical records were audited retrospectively and treatment outcome data were collected. Among 202 participants (mean age, 48 years), 82% were male (n = 165), 39% (n = 78) reported ever injecting drugs, of whom 63% (n = 49) injected in the previous month. Overall, 23% (n = 47) had detectable HCV RNA and 6% (n=12) had cirrhosis. HCV RNA prevalence among participants with either injecting or incarceration history was 35% (37/105), compared to 4% (3/73) among participants without these risk factors. Among those with detectable HCV RNA, 23 (49%) commenced therapy, of whom 65% (n = 15) achieved sustained virological response, while the remainder had no available treatment outcome. No participant had documented virological failure. HCV DAA treatment uptake among people attending a homelessness service was encouraging, but innovative models of HCV care are required to improve linkage to care and treatment uptake among this highly marginalized population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Bajis
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lucy Cooper
- Matthew Talbot Hostel, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Support Services, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julie Smith
- Matthew Talbot Hostel, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Support Services, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Greg Owen
- Matthew Talbot Hostel, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Support Services, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alan Chudleigh
- Matthew Talbot Hostel, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Support Services, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | | | - Sara Adey
- NSW Users and AIDS Association, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Phillip Read
- Kirketon Road Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Tanya Applegate
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lisa Maher
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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