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Cheedalla A, Hinely K, Roby L, Hall OT, Malvestutto C, Rood KM. Postpartum Hepatitis C Linkage to Care Program in a Co-located Substance Use Disorders Treatment Model. Matern Child Health J 2023; 27:87-93. [PMID: 37768533 PMCID: PMC10691992 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-023-03770-w] [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] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is increasingly prevalent in pregnancy and among people with substance use disorders (SUD). Highly effective treatments are now available for chronic HCV. Qualifying for HCV treatment often requires preauthorization and several clinical criteria, including laboratory assessment of liver function and other infectious diseases and liver imaging to assess for fibrosis. Linkage to care (LTC) models have been shown to assist with obtaining the necessary clinical information (laboratory assessment/liver imaging) and improving HCV treatment rates in non-pregnant individuals. DESCRIPTION Beginning in December 2020, a specialized LTC team identified patients with HCV viremia who were interested in postpartum treatment. The LTC team assisted patients with completing the necessary clinical criteria (laboratory assessment and liver imaging) for HCV treatment. Patients were then linked to infectious disease specialists who prescribed treatment to patients via telemedicine. Most patients identified with HCV were enrolled in our institution's co-located obstetric and SUD program, which provides continued care until 1 year postpartum. ASSESSMENT In 2019, an internal review identified that none of the 26 pregnant patients with HCV viremia in our co-located obstetric and SUD program were prescribed direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment within 12 months postpartum. Between December 2020 and July 2022, our HCV LTC team identified 34 patients with HCV who were eligible for treatment. Of these patients, 55% (19/34) obtained all necessary laboratory and liver imaging requirements and 79% (15/19) were prescribed DAA treatment after a telehealth visit with an infectious disease specialist. All fifteen patients who were prescribed treatment participated in the co-located obstetric and SUD program. The largest barrier to obtaining treatment was completing the necessary laboratory and liver imaging requirements for prescribing DAA. Only one patient who did not receive care in our co-located obstetric and SUD program had completed the necessary laboratory and liver imaging requirements to proceed with treatment but did not follow up with the infectious disease specialist for DAA treatment. CONCLUSION Our HCV LTC program was successful in treating postpartum patients for HCV if they participated in the co-located obstetric and SUD program at our institution. Creating a partnership with an infectious disease specialist and utilizing telemedicine were beneficial strategies to connect patients to treatment for HCV during the postpartum period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneesha Cheedalla
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McCampbell Hall, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Katherine Hinely
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McCampbell Hall, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lauren Roby
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McCampbell Hall, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - O Trent Hall
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Talbot Hall, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Carlos Malvestutto
- Department of Infectious Diseases, McCampbell Hall, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kara M Rood
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McCampbell Hall, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
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Talal AH, George SJ, Talal LA, Dharia A, Ventuneac A, Baciewicz G, Perumalswami PV, Dickerson SS. Engaging people who use drugs in clinical research: integrating facilitated telemedicine for HCV into substance use treatment. RESEARCH INVOLVEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT 2023; 9:63. [PMID: 37533127 PMCID: PMC10399008 DOI: 10.1186/s40900-023-00474-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who use drugs (PWUD) have difficulty participating in clinical research. We evaluated approaches to engage PWUD in clinical research, using facilitated telemedicine for hepatitis C virus (HCV) care as an example. METHODS We analyzed stakeholder interview transcripts and study-related data (i.e., progress reports, meeting minutes) from interrelated studies to understand engagement experiences at the patient, site, and organizational levels. Stakeholders include patient-participants, opioid treatment program (OTP) staff and administrators, and research team members involved in HCV management through facilitated telemedicine integrated into OTPs. RESULTS Three themes emerged. Initially, the research team sought understanding of the unique culture and community of each OTP (Theme 1). The team built trusting relationships through education, communication, and feedback (Theme 2). Finally, the research team enhanced collaborative care and incorporated the patients' voice to improve health outcomes (Theme 3). Patient-participants and OTP staff endorsed the integrated HCV care approach. Engagement practices are summarized as the CREATE framework (C = culture, R = respect, E = educate, A = advantage, T = trust, E = endorse). CONCLUSIONS PWUD engagement in clinical research is maximized by building trusting relationships with open communication channels. Understanding the community, demonstrating respect, and augmenting knowledge are foundational for engaging PWUD in clinical research. These practices are transferable to engagement of PWUD in clinical research broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H Talal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, 875 Ellicott Street, Suite 6090, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
| | - Saliyah J George
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Arpan Dharia
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, 875 Ellicott Street, Suite 6090, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Ana Ventuneac
- START Treatment and Recovery Centers, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | | | - Ponni V Perumalswami
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Suzanne S Dickerson
- Division of Biobehavioral Health and Clinical Sciences, School of Nursing, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Curado A, Nogueira PJ, Virgolino A, Santa Maria J, Mendão L, Furtado C, Antunes F. Hepatitis C antibody prevalence and behavioral correlates in people who inject drugs attending harm reduction services in Lisbon, Portugal. Front Public Health 2022; 10:952909. [PMID: 36081480 PMCID: PMC9445135 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.952909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an important public health problem, affecting millions of people worldwide. People who inject drugs (PWID) are at increased risk of HCV infection due to, among other factors, widespread unsafe injecting practices, such as sharing of infected equipment or unprotected sexual practices. In Portugal, there is a lack of data regarding the proportion of infected persons through injecting drug use. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-HCV prevalence and behavioral correlates of infection in PWID attending harm reduction services in the Metropolitan Area of Lisbon, Portugal. A cross-sectional study with a purposive sample of PWID was undertaken between March 2018 and March 2020. Participants were recruited through the harm-reduction services of a nongovernmental organization. A rapid diagnostic test for anti-HCV screening was performed. Data on drug consumption history and current practices, past HCV testing, care and treatment history, and knowledge regarding hepatitis C were also collected through a questionnaire applied by trained inquirers. A total of 176 PWID participated in this study. An overall prevalence of 70.5% of anti-HCV positive in this population was found. Those with an anti-HCV positive testing result tended to start consuming at a younger age and have a higher consumption of benzodiazepines in the last 30 days. Sharing needles and other injecting material is a frequent risk behavior among this group. Also, they are more likely to have attended an opioid agonist treatment and to have undertaken previous hepatitis C and HIV tests in the past. This study represents an important effort to better understand the HCV prevalence and behavioral correlates of infection among PWID in Portugal, as well as to better estimate those in need of HCV treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Curado
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal,Laboratório Associado TERRA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal,Grupo de Ativistas em Tratamentos, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Paulo Jorge Nogueira
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal,Laboratório Associado TERRA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal,Laboratório de Biomatemática, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Virgolino
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal,Laboratório Associado TERRA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal,*Correspondence: Ana Virgolino
| | | | - Luís Mendão
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal,Laboratório Associado TERRA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal,Grupo de Ativistas em Tratamentos, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cristina Furtado
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal,Laboratório Associado TERRA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal,Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Francisco Antunes
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal,Laboratório Associado TERRA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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Innovations in education: A prospective study of storytelling narratives to enhance hepatitis C virus knowledge among substance users. World J Hepatol 2022. [DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v14.i5.973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Talal AH, Ding YX, Markatou M. Innovations in education: A prospective study of storytelling narratives to enhance hepatitis C virus knowledge among substance users. World J Hepatol 2022; 14:972-983. [PMID: 35721284 PMCID: PMC9157714 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v14.i5.972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Even though substance users have the highest hepatitis C virus (HCV) burden, many lack knowledge about the infection. Lack of knowledge is an important obstacle to pursuing HCV care. Although printed materials are conventionally utilized to disseminate HCV-related knowledge, narrative story-telling videos may be an alternative. Data are extremely limited, however, in the ability of storytelling videos to increase HCV knowledge among substance users. In this study, we hypothesized that a story-telling narrative video would increase substance user’s immediate and 1-month HCV-related knowledge compared to a printed format.
AIM To assess immediate and 1-month HCV-related knowledge retention among substance users comparing education delivered via a storytelling narrative video compared to a printed format.
METHODS We conducted a prospective matched, case-control study among substance users actively prescribed buprenorphine enrolled from two sites. The intervention site received the video and the control site, the brochure. Participants (n = 176) were matched on age, gender, and race. We obtained extensive patient and stakeholder input on the video’s design, validated the video’s content, and developed a recruitment plan to guide participant enrollment. Knowledge was assessed by administration of a 25-item instrument immediately before, immediately after, or one month after the intervention. Data were analyzed using nonparametric and generalized linear mixed-effects models.
RESULTS We recruited a total of 176 substance users, 90 and 86 individuals, from each site, respectively. One-month follow up occurred in 92% and 94% of enrollees in the control and intervention groups, respectively. In comparison with the pre-intervention scores, immediate knowledge recall increased significantly for both the intervention (P < 0.0001) and control (P < 0.0001) groups. Multivariate modeling revealed a significant improvement in HCV-related knowledge and retention (P = 0.033) among participants who viewed the storytelling video.
CONCLUSION Storytelling narratives emphasizing HCV education appear to be an effective method to increase HCV-related knowledge among substance users. They should become an educational cornerstone to promote HCV management among this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H Talal
- Department of Medicine, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, United States
| | - Yu-Xin Ding
- Department of Biostatistics, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214, United States
| | - Marianthi Markatou
- Department of Biostatistics, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214, United States
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Eckhardt B, Mateu-Gelabert P, Aponte-Melendez Y, Fong C, Kapadia S, Smith M, Edlin BR, Marks KM. Accessible Hepatitis C Care for People Who Inject Drugs: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med 2022; 182:494-502. [PMID: 35285851 PMCID: PMC8922207 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2022.0170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Importance To achieve hepatitis C elimination, treatment programs need to engage, treat, and cure people who inject drugs. Objective To compare a low-threshold, nonstigmatizing hepatitis C treatment program that was colocated at a syringe service program (accessible care) with facilitated referral to local clinicians through a patient navigation program (usual care). Design, Setting, and Participants This single-site randomized clinical trial was conducted at the Lower East Side Harm Reduction Center, a syringe service program in New York, New York, and included 167 participants who were hepatitis C virus RNA-positive and had injected drugs during the prior 90 days. Participants enrolled between July 2017 and March 2020. Data were analyzed after all patients completed 1 year of follow-up (after March 2021). Interventions Participants were randomized 1:1 to the accessible care or usual care arm. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary end point was achieving sustained virologic response within 12 months of enrollment. Results Among the 572 participants screened, 167 (mean [SD] age, 42.0 [10.6] years; 128 (77.6%) male, 36 (21.8%) female, and 1 (0.6) transgender individuals; 8 (4.8%) Black, 97 (58.5%) Hispanic, and 53 (32.1%) White individuals) met eligibility criteria and were enrolled, with 2 excluded postrandomization (n = 165). Baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 arms. In the intention-to-treat analysis, 55 of 82 participants (67.1%) in the accessible care arm and 19 of 83 participants (22.9%) in the usual care arm achieved a sustained virologic response (P < .001). Loss to follow-up (12.2% [accessible care] and 16.9% [usual care]; P = .51) was similar in the 2 arms. Of the participants who received therapy, 55 of 64 (85.9%) and 19 of 22 (86.3%) achieved a sustained virologic response in the accessible care and usual care arms, respectively (P = .96). Significantly more participants in the accessible care arm achieved all steps in the care cascade, with the greatest attrition in the usual care arm seen in referral to hepatitis C virus clinician and attending clinical visit. Conclusions and Relevance In this randomized clinical trial, among people who inject drugs with hepatitis C infection, significantly higher rates of cure were achieved using the accessible care model that focused on low-threshold, colocated, destigmatized, and flexible hepatitis C care compared with facilitated referral. To achieve hepatitis C elimination, expansion of treatment programs that are specifically geared toward engaging people who inject drugs is paramount. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03214679.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pedro Mateu-Gelabert
- City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York
| | | | - Chunki Fong
- City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York
| | | | | | - Brian R. Edlin
- National Development and Research Institute, New York, New York
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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7
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High prevalence of unawareness of HCV infection status among both HCV-seronegative and seropositive people living with human immunodeficiency virus in Taiwan. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251158. [PMID: 33956867 PMCID: PMC8101914 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives HCV infection status awareness is crucial in the HCV care continuum for both HCV-seropositive (HCV-positive status awareness) and seronegative (HCV-negative status awareness) populations. However, trends in the unawareness of HCV infection status (UoHCV) remain unknown in HIV-positive patients. This study investigated UoHCV prevalence, the associated factors of UoHCV, and its association with HCV-related knowledge in HIV-positive patients. Methods For this cross-sectional, multicenter, questionnaire-based study, 844 HIV-infected participants were recruited from three hospitals in Taiwan from June 2018 to March 2020. Participants were grouped by HCV serostatus (HCV-seronegative [n = 734] and HCV-seropositive [n = 110]) and categorized by their HIV diagnosis date (before 2008, 2008–2013, and 2014–2020). Exploratory factor analysis was used to categorize the 15 items of HCV-related knowledge into three domains: route of HCV transmission, HCV course and complications, and HCV treatment. Results The prevalence of UoHCV was 58.7%–62.6% and 15.1%–31.3% in the HCV-seronegative and HCV-seropositive groups, respectively, across 3 periods. More participants with UoHCV believed that HCV infection was only contracted by intravenous injection. In the HCV-seropositive group, participants with UoHCV were more likely to have HIV diagnosis before 2008 (vs. 2014–2020), be men who have sex with men (vs. people who inject drugs), and have hepatitis A virus seronegativity. In the HCV-seronegative group, participants with UoHCV were more likely to have a recent history of sexually transmitted diseases, but had a lower education level, had received less information on HCV infection from clinicians, and were less likely to have heard of HCV infection prior to the research. UoHCV was associated with lower scores for three domains of HCV-related knowledge in both groups. Conclusions The negative association of UoHCV with HCV-related knowledge suggests that strategies targeting patients according to their HCV serostatus should be implemented to reduce UoHCV and eradicate HCV infection among HIV-positive patients.
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Norton BL, Akiyama MJ, Arnsten JH, Agyemang L, Heo M, Litwin AH. High HCV cure rates among people who inject drugs and have suboptimal adherence: A patient-centered approach to HCV models of care. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 93:103135. [PMID: 33667826 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103135] [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: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Though people who inject drugs (PWID) make up the majority of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic, concerns about adherence often exclude PWID from receiving direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medication. The most effective models of HCV care to promote sustained virologic response (SVR) and high adherence need to be evaluated. METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study in three opioid treatment programs (OTPs) in the Bronx, NY. Participants, in collaboration with providers, chose one of three models of onsite care: directly observed therapy (mDOT), group treatment (GT), or self-administered individual treatment (SIT). SVR12, daily adherence, and participant characteristics were compared between groups. RESULTS Of 61 participants, the majority were male (62%) and Latino (67%), with a mean age of 53 (SD 9). Participants received DAAs via one of three models of care: mDOT (21%), GT (25%), or SIT (54%). The majority (59%) used illicit drugs during treatment. Overall, SVR12 was 98% with no differences between models of care: mDOT (100%), GT (100%), and SIT (97%) (p = 1.0). Overall, daily adherence was 73% (SD 16); 86% among those who chose mDOT compared to 71% among those who chose GT (p<0.01) and 73% among those who chose SIT (p<0.01). CONCLUSION Despite ongoing illicit drug use and suboptimal adherence, SVR12 was high among PWID treated onsite at an OTP using any one of three models of care. Shared decision making in real world settings may be key to choosing the appropriate model of care for PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna L Norton
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States.
| | - Matthew J Akiyama
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Julia H Arnsten
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States; Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Linda Agyemang
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Moonseong Heo
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States; School of Mathematical Science, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States
| | - Alain H Litwin
- Department of Medicine, University of South Carolina School of Medicine - Greenville, Greenville, SC, United States; Department of Medicine, Prisma Health-Upstate, Greenville, SC, United States; Clemson University School of Health Research, Clemson, SC, United States
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9
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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: 0.5] [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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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: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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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Talal AH, Andrews P, Mcleod A, Chen Y, Sylvester C, Markatou M, Brown LS. Integrated, Co-located, Telemedicine-based Treatment Approaches for Hepatitis C Virus Management in Opioid Use Disorder Patients on Methadone. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 69:323-331. [PMID: 30329042 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite high hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence, opioid use disorder (OUD) patients on methadone rarely engage in HCV treatment. We investigated the effectiveness of HCV management via telemedicine in an opioid substitution therapy (OST) program. METHODS OUD patients on methadone underwent biweekly telemedicine sessions between a hepatologist and physician assistant during the entire HCV treatment course. All pretreatment labs (HCV RNA, genotype, and noninvasive fibrosis assessments) were obtained onsite and direct-acting antivirals were coadministered with methadone using modified directly observed therapy. We used multiple correspondence analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and logistic regression to identify variables associated with pursuit of HCV care. RESULTS Sixty-two HCV RNA-positive patients (24% human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infected, 61% male, 61% African American, 25.8% Hispanic) were evaluated. All patients were stabilized on methadone and all except 4 were HCV genotype 1 infected. Advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis was present in 34.5% of patients. Of the 45 treated patients, 42 (93.3%) achieved viral eradication. Of 17 evaluated patients who were not treated, 5 were discontinued from the drug treatment program or did not follow up after the evaluation, 2 had HIV adherence issues, and 10 had insurance authorization issues. Marriage and a mental health diagnosis other than depression were the strongest positive predictors of treatment pursuit, whereas being divorced, separated, or widowed was the strongest negative predictor. CONCLUSIONS HCV management via telemedicine integrated into an OST program is a feasible model with excellent virologic effectiveness. Psychosocial and demographic variables can assist in identification of subgroups with a propensity or aversion to pursue HCV treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H Talal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University at Buffalo, State University of New York.,START Treatment and Recovery Centers, Brooklyn
| | | | | | - Yang Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, University at Buffalo, State University of New York
| | | | - Marianthi Markatou
- Department of Biostatistics, University at Buffalo, State University of New York
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12
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Abstract
Despite ambitious goals to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the United States by 2030, the majority of those infected are not aware of their diagnosis, and only a small minority have been cured. A lack of knowledge regarding risk factors and treatment may contribute to low cure rates. We aimed to evaluate HCV knowledge and the association of risk factor knowledge with HCV incidence. In fall 2017, a survey regarding HCV knowledge was disseminated through social media, web link, and in person throughout the state of Virginia. The survey was completed by 613 individuals. Residents of high-incidence counties identified fewer risk factors (5.6 vs 6.1 of 9, p = 0.04), a difference that remained significant when controlling for education and age (p = 0.03). Fewer participants in the high-incidence group recognized snorting drugs to be a risk factor (25% vs 36%, p = 0.01). Only 38% of all respondents correctly identified HCV to be curable. Knowledge of HCV risk factors is lower in high incidence regions. These results identify a critical knowledge gap in the general population at a time of ongoing HCV transmission. Public health interventions must target these gaps in high-incidence regions as part of comprehensive disease prevention programs.
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13
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Weicker SA, Hayashi K, Grant C, Milloy MJ, Wood E, Kerr T. Willingness to take buprenorphine/naloxone among people who use opioids in Vancouver, Canada. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 205:107672. [PMID: 31706251 PMCID: PMC6894418 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.107672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Opioid agonist therapy is the cornerstone of treatment of opioid use disorder. In Canada, buprenorphine/naloxone has recently been adopted as the first line agonist therapy given its comparable effectiveness to methadone and superior safety profile. This study examines factors associated with willingness to take buprenorphine/naloxone among opioid users. METHODS Data were derived from two prospective cohorts of high-risk individuals who use drugs in Vancouver, Canada. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with willingness to use buprenorphine/naloxone among people who use opioids and were not currently accessing this treatment option. Participants who were unwilling to use buprenorphine/naloxone were invited to provide reason(s) and their responses were examined in a sub-analysis. RESULTS Between December 2014 and May 2018, 1103 participants were interviewed. Overall, 194 (17.6%) respondents indicated that they would be willing to take buprenorphine/naloxone. Variables independently associated with willingness were previous buprenorphine/naloxone treatment (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.04), having ever used methadone treatment (AOR = 1.87), and age (AOR = 0.98, per year older) (all p < 0.05). Satisfaction with current agonist therapy (25.4%), not knowing what buprenorphine/naloxone is (25.1%), and wanting more information about buprenorphine/naloxone (15.1%) were the most commonly cited reasons for unwillingness. A low rate of willingness to use buprenorphine/naloxone (15.1%) was also observed among the sub-set of participants not using methadone. CONCLUSIONS While an overall low level of willingness to take buprenorphine/naloxone was observed, this appeared to be largely driven by satisfaction with other agonists and a low prevalence of community knowledge about buprenorphine/naloxone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Weicker
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Kanna Hayashi
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Blusson Hall, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Cameron Grant
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - M-J Milloy
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Evan Wood
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Thomas Kerr
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
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Jessop AB, Bass SB, Brajuha J, Alhajji M, Burke M, Gashat MT, Wellington C, Ventriglia N, Coleman J, D'Avanzo P. "Take Charge, Get Cured": Pilot testing a targeted mHealth treatment decision support tool for methadone patients with hepatitis C virus for acceptability and promise of efficacy. J Subst Abuse Treat 2019; 109:23-33. [PMID: 31856947 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2019.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C (HCV) is a highly prevalent infection in current and former IV drug users. Current estimates indicate that over 70% of those in methadone maintenance treatment programs (MMTs) have HCV, but only 11% have initiated treatments despite availability of new treatments that are easily tolerated and can cure infection in about 8 weeks. We conducted a pilot randomized trial at four Philadelphia, PA MMTs to test acceptability, feasibility and promise of efficacy of our "Take Charge, Get Cured" mobile health (mHealth) treatment decision tool, developed through extensive formative work that included methadone patients' input and targeted directly to concerns of methadone patients with Hepatitis C (HCV). We compared its impact on perceptions and knowledge about HCV and HCV treatment, decisional conflict, intention to and actual initiation of HCV care to a web-based Cochrane-reviewed, non-targeted HCV decision tool. Subjects (n = 122) were randomized, administered baseline questionnaires, interacted with the targeted or non-targeted decision tool on an electronic tablet, and answered post-test questions. After 3-months subjects (n = 93; 76%) were surveyed for follow up. "Take Charge, Get Cured" users were more likely to report the tool helped with decision making and demonstrated greater improvement in knowledge, decisional conflict, and intention to be treated for their HCV infections than users of the non-targeted decision tool. They were significantly more likely to say the targeted tool was helpful and that they would recommend it to others. At three month follow up, targeted group participants were more likely to say the tool helped them make a better decision about treatment and prepared them to talk to their doctor about what matters most to them about treatment. No differences were seen in actions to initiate HCV care, but more targeted group participants reported talking to their doctors about HCV treatment. Results indicate a highly targeted mHealth decision tool is an important strategy to affect perceptions and knowledge of HCV treatment that lowers decisional conflict about initiating treatment, key components in decision making. We believe this highly acceptable and feasible intervention could be utilized in clinical settings to address the important barriers to initiating HCV treatment in a vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy B Jessop
- Western Michigan University, Public health Program, 200 Ionia Ave, NW, 4th Floor, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; HepTREC, 141 Whitemarsh Rd, Ardmore, PA 19003, USA.
| | - Sarah Bauerle Bass
- Temple University, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Risk Communication Laboratory, College of Public Health, Ritter Annex, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Jesse Brajuha
- Temple University, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Risk Communication Laboratory, College of Public Health, Ritter Annex, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Mohammed Alhajji
- Temple University, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Risk Communication Laboratory, College of Public Health, Ritter Annex, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Monika Burke
- HepTREC, 141 Whitemarsh Rd, Ardmore, PA 19003, USA
| | | | - Carine Wellington
- Temple University, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Risk Communication Laboratory, College of Public Health, Ritter Annex, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Nicole Ventriglia
- Temple University, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Risk Communication Laboratory, College of Public Health, Ritter Annex, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Jennie Coleman
- Temple University, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Risk Communication Laboratory, College of Public Health, Ritter Annex, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Paul D'Avanzo
- Temple University, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Risk Communication Laboratory, College of Public Health, Ritter Annex, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
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15
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Akiyama MJ, Norton BL, Arnsten JH, Agyemang L, Heo M, Litwin AH. Intensive Models of Hepatitis C Care for People Who Inject Drugs Receiving Opioid Agonist Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Ann Intern Med 2019; 170:594-603. [PMID: 30959528 PMCID: PMC6868527 DOI: 10.7326/m18-1715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many people who inject drugs (PWID) are denied treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, even if they are receiving opioid agonist therapy (OAT). Research suggests that HCV in PWID may be treated effectively, but optimal models of care for promoting adherence and sustained virologic response (SVR) have not been evaluated in the direct-acting antiviral (DAA) era. OBJECTIVE To determine whether directly observed therapy (DOT) and group treatment (GT) are more effective than self-administered individual treatment (SIT) in promoting adherence and achieving SVR among PWID receiving OAT. DESIGN Three-group, randomized controlled trial conducted from October 2013 to April 2017. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01857245). SETTING Three OAT programs in Bronx, New York. PARTICIPANTS Persons aged 18 years and older with genotype 1 HCV infection who were willing to receive HCV therapy on site in the OAT program. Of 190 persons screened, 158 were randomly assigned to a study group and 150 initiated treatment: DOT (n = 51), GT (n = 48), and SIT (n = 51). INTERVENTION 2 intensive interventions (DOT and GT) and 1 control condition (SIT). MEASUREMENTS Primary: adherence, measured by using electronic blister packs. Secondary: HCV treatment completion and SVR 12 weeks after treatment completion. RESULTS Mean age was 51 years; 65% of participants had positive results on urine drug testing during the 6 months before treatment, and 75% reported ever injecting drugs. Overall adherence, estimated from mixed-effects models using the daily timeframe, was 78% (95% CI, 75% to 81%) and was greater among participants randomly assigned to DOT (86% [CI, 80% to 92%]) than those assigned to SIT (75% [CI, 70% to 81%]; difference, 11% [CI, 5% to 18%]; Bonferroni-corrected P = 0.001). No significant difference in adherence was observed between participants randomly assigned to GT (80% [CI, 74% to 86%]) and those assigned to SIT (difference, 4.7% [CI, -2% to 11%]; Bonferroni-corrected P = 0.29). The HCV treatment completion rate was 97%, with no differences among groups (P = 0.53). Overall SVR was 94% (CI, 89% to 97%); the SVR rate was 98% in the DOT group, 94% in the GT group, and 90% in the SIT group (P = 0.152). LIMITATION These findings may not be generalizable to PWID not enrolled in OAT programs. CONCLUSION All models of onsite HCV care delivered to PWID in OAT programs resulted in high SVR, despite ongoing drug use. Directly observed therapy was associated with greater adherence than SIT. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE National Institute on Drug Abuse and Gilead Sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Akiyama
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York (M.J.A., B.L.N., J.H.A., L.A.)
| | - Brianna L Norton
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York (M.J.A., B.L.N., J.H.A., L.A.)
| | - Julia H Arnsten
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York (M.J.A., B.L.N., J.H.A., L.A.)
| | - Linda Agyemang
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York (M.J.A., B.L.N., J.H.A., L.A.)
| | | | - Alain H Litwin
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville and Greenville Health System, Greenville, South Carolina, and Clemson University School of Health Research, Clemson, South Carolina (A.H.L.)
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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: 5.0] [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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Determinants of hepatitis C antiviral effectiveness awareness among people who inject drugs in the direct-acting antiviral era. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 52:115-122. [PMID: 29414462 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Although people who inject drugs (PWID) are at greatest risk of hepatitis C (HCV), treatment uptake in this population has historically been low. Highly effective direct acting antiviral (DAA) treatments for HCV have recently become available. Our aim was to assess the awareness among PWID of these new therapies and their effectiveness. METHODS A national survey of PWID attending injecting equipment provision sites in Scotland during 2015-2016 included questions to gauge the awareness in this population of antiviral treatment and the high cure rates associated with new therapies (defined here as >80%). RESULTS Among 2623 PWID, 92% had ever been tested for HCV. After excluding those ever treated for HCV (n = 226), 79% were aware of HCV treatment. Awareness was more likely among those who had ever been tested and self-reported either a positive (adjusted odds ratio: 16.04, 95%CI 10.57-24.33) or negative (3.11, 2.30-4.22) test result, compared to those who were never tested. The minority of all respondents (17%) were aware of high cure rates. This awareness was more likely among those who had ever been in HCV specialist care (9.76, 5.13-18.60) and those who had not been in specialist care but had been tested and self-reported either a positive (3.91, 2.20-7.53) or negative (2.55, 1.35-4.81) test result, compared to those who had never been tested. CONCLUSION We found poor awareness of the high cure rates associated with DAAs among PWID in Scotland, despite relatively high rates of HCV testing in this population. Increased effort is needed to ensure population groups with high risk of HCV infection are fully informed of the highly effective antiviral medications now available to treat this chronic disease.
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18
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Quinn K, Fong C, Guarino H, Mateu-Gelabert P. Development, validation, and potential applications of the hepatitis C virus injection-risk knowledge scale (HCV-IRKS) among young opioid users in New York City. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 194:453-459. [PMID: 30503906 PMCID: PMC6312493 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) incidence has increased dramatically in the United States in recent years and is associated with the opioid epidemic due to high HCV transmission risk among people who inject drugs (PWID). HCV transmission knowledge is difficult to ascertain given the lack of psychometrically-tested measures. We developed and validated an HCV injection-risk knowledge scale. METHODS Analyses used data from 539 New York City opioid users ages 18-29 recruited via respondent-driven sampling in 2014-16. Blood samples yielded HCV antibody status. Principal components analysis (PCA) of nine knowledge items answered true, false, or don't know identified useful scale items. We evaluated internal consistency with the Cronbach's alpha coefficient and assessed construct validity by comparing knowledge levels with those from a previously validated general HCV knowledge scale and by comparing key sub-group knowledge levels. RESULTS PCA identified one component with five items that explained 45% of the total variance and had high internal consistency (alpha=0.91). All items referred to transmission through drug-injection equipment and practices: sharing cookers, cottons, diluting water, water containers, and cleaning syringes with water. The mean percent correct was 75%, and as expected, was moderately correlated with general HCV knowledge (Spearman's rho=0.55). As hypothesized, knowledge levels were highest for those previously tested for HCV, those with HCV antibody-positive status, PWID, and those who had received harm reduction information in various settings. CONCLUSIONS The 5-item, validated HCV Injection-Risk Knowledge Scale (HCV-IRKS) may provide educators, care providers, and researchers with critical information for reducing HCV among PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Quinn
- National Development and Research Institutes, Inc., 71 West 23rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY, 10010, USA; Behavioral Science Training Program in Drug Abuse Research, NYU Rory Myers College of Nursing, 433 First Ave., New York, NY, 10010, USA; Department of Population Health, NYU Langone Health, 227 E 30th St., New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| | - Chunki Fong
- National Development and Research Institutes, Inc., 71 West 23rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY, 10010, USA.
| | - Honoria Guarino
- National Development and Research Institutes, Inc., 71 West 23rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY, 10010, USA.
| | - Pedro Mateu-Gelabert
- National Development and Research Institutes, Inc., 71 West 23rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY, 10010, USA.
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Ivkovic A, Wakeman S. Personal viewpoint on opioid agonist therapy and transplantation. Am J Transplant 2018; 18:2869-2872. [PMID: 30192432 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.15109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is an increasing public health problem. Transplant centers worldwide are being confronted with increasing numbers of patients with opioid use disorder and end stage organ disease. Opioid agonist therapy (OAT; ie, methadone, buprenorphine, and buprenorphine/naloxone) is a scientifically proven, effective, physician-prescribed treatment for OUD. Although data in transplant populations remain limited, studies suggest that OAT does not appear to negatively affect graft or patient survival. Policies that require discontinuation of OAT for purposes of listing or transplantation contradict the evidence base for efficacy of OAT. Additional prospective outcomes studies on OAT and transplantation are needed. In the meantime, centers should not be asking patients to come off these effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Ivkovic
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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20
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Talal AH, McLeod A, Andrews P, Nieves-McGrath H, Chen Y, Reynolds A, Sylvester C, Dickerson SS, Markatou M, Brown LS. Patient Reaction to Telemedicine for Clinical Management of Hepatitis C Virus Integrated into an Opioid Treatment Program. Telemed J E Health 2018; 25:791-801. [PMID: 30325701 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2018.0161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Introduction: Virtual integration of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection management within the opioid treatment program (OTP) through telemedicine may overcome limited treatment uptake encountered when patients are referred offsite. To evaluate the diffusion of telemedicine within the OTP, we conducted a pilot study to assess acceptance of and satisfaction with telemedicine among 45 HCV-infected opioid use disorder (OUD) patients on methadone. Materials and Methods: We administered a modified 11-item telemedicine satisfaction questionnaire after the initial HCV telemedicine evaluation, when initiating HCV treatment, and 3 months post-HCV treatment completion. Among a patient subset, a semistructured interview further assessed issues of participant referral to the telemedicine program as well as convenience and confidentiality with the telemedicine encounters. Results: Patients demonstrated their acceptance of telemedicine-based encounters by referral of additional participants. They highlighted the convenience of on-site treatment with a liver specialist through recognition of the benefit of "one-stop shopping." They also expressed confidence in the privacy and confidentiality of telemedicine encounters. Discussion: In this pilot study, telemedicine appears to be well accepted as a modality for HCV management among OUD patients on methadone. Virtual integration of medical and behavioral therapy through telemedicine warrants further investigation for its use in this population. Conclusions: In this pilot study, we found that a largely racial minority population of substance users grew to accept telemedicine over time with diminished privacy and confidentiality concerns. Telemedicine was well accepted within the OTP community as reflected by participant referral to the program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H Talal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
- START Treatment & Recovery Centers, Brooklyn, New York
| | | | | | - Heidi Nieves-McGrath
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | | | | | - Suzanne S Dickerson
- School of Nursing, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - Marianthi Markatou
- Department of Biostatistics, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
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Silbernagl M, Slamanig R, Fischer G, Brandt L. Hepatitis C infection and psychiatric burden in two imprisoned cohorts: Young offenders and opioid-maintained prisoners. Health Policy 2018; 122:1392-1402. [PMID: 30392782 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Prisoners constitute a considerable gap in the hepatitis C virus (HCV) tested population. The present study examined HCV prevalence in imprisoned opioid-maintained patients (OMT-P) and adolescents and young adults (AYA, 14-26 years). In addition, HCV testing and treatment provision, knowledge of HCV status and psychiatric comorbidity were assessed. Data collection took place in six Austrian prisons. Participants were N = 133 for OMT-P (78% male, mean age 35.7 years) and N = 71 for AYA (100% male, mean age 19.8 years). Analysis of HCV serology was conducted. Psychiatric comorbidity and addiction severity were assessed applying standardized questionnaires and interviews. Antibodies were detected in 74.4% of OMT-P, and in 45.0% HCV infection was confirmed. Only one AYA was infected with HCV. None of the participants was receiving treatment for HCV. Eleven percent of OMT-P (50.7% of AYA) did not know their HCV status, and 14.3% of OMT-P (36.6% of AYA) had not been tested in prison. Among OMT-P, lifetime IDU [OR = 330.33, CI = 25.91-4433.20] and age at first IDU [OR = 0.90, CI = 0.82-0.98] significantly predicted HCV status. In both samples, a high prevalence of affective disorders was observed. Despite the high prevalence of HCV among opioid-dependent detainees, the unique opportunities for comprehensive testing and treatment of HCV are substantially underutilized. This is in stark contrast to the UN Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Silbernagl
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Public Health, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Rudolf Slamanig
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Public Health, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gabriele Fischer
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Public Health, Vienna, Austria
| | - Laura Brandt
- University of Vienna, Department for Applied Psychology: Work, Education and Economy, Vienna, Austria
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Krans EE, Rothenberger SD, Morrison PK, Park SY, Klocke LC, Turocy MJ, Zickmund S. Hepatitis C Virus Knowledge Among Pregnant Women with Opioid Use Disorder. Matern Child Health J 2018; 22:1208-1216. [PMID: 29500784 PMCID: PMC6054887 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-018-2506-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate Hepatitis C virus (HCV) knowledge and awareness among pregnant women with opioid use disorder (OUD). Methods From May through November 2015, a one-time survey was distributed to a convenience sample of pregnant women with OUD to assess their knowledge and awareness of (a) risk factors for HCV infection, (b) HCV transmission prevention strategies, (c) hepatotoxic risk reduction and (d) perinatal transmission and neonatal implications of HCV infection. Chi square and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare demographic characteristics and HCV knowledge between participants who were HCV positive and negative. Results Of 179 pregnant women with OUD approached, 169 (94%) completed the survey. Of these, 153 (90.5%) reported at least one risk factor for HCV infection, 85 (50.3%) were HCV positive and 38 (44.7%) of HCV positive women were diagnosed with HCV for the first time during pregnancy. When HCV knowledge was evaluated, 114 (66.7%) responded that sharing eating utensils could transmit HCV, 69 (55.0%) responded that there is a vaccine to prevent HCV and 56 (32.7%) did not identify intranasal drug use as a risk factor for HCV transmission. Among HCV positive women, 61 (71.8%) associated breastfeeding with an increased risk for HCV transmission, 33 (38.1%) failed to identify the importance of pediatric follow-up for HCV-exposed children and 16 (18.8%) perceived the risk of HCV vertical transmission as "likely" or "very likely." Conclusions for Practice Gaps in HCV knowledge exist among a rapidly growing population of pregnant women with OUD. Healthcare providers have a unique opportunity to provide HCV education and counseling during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth E Krans
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, 3380 Boulevard of the Allies, Suite 323, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
| | - Scott D Rothenberger
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Center for Research on Health Care Data Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Penelope K Morrison
- The Pennsylvania State University, New Kensington Campus, New Kensington, PA, USA
| | - Seo Young Park
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Center for Research on Health Care Data Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Leah C Klocke
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, 3380 Boulevard of the Allies, Suite 323, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Mary J Turocy
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, 3380 Boulevard of the Allies, Suite 323, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Susan Zickmund
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS 2.0) Center of Innovation, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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23
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Kim BK, Lee S, Jun M, Chung HC, Oh SS, Lee WS. Perception of Hair Loss and Education Increases the Treatment Willingness in Patients With Androgenetic Alopecica: A Population-Based Study. Ann Dermatol 2018; 30:402-408. [PMID: 30065579 PMCID: PMC6029958 DOI: 10.5021/ad.2018.30.4.402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) has a negative impact on self-image and decrease in quality of life. However, relatively few men have sought treatment for AGA. Improvement in treatment willingness is important for maintaining long-term management in patients with AGA. Objectives We aimed to identify the prevalence of patients' perception of hair loss and evaluate various factors that affect the treatment willingness in patients with AGA. Methods We conducted a population-based cross-sectional survey of 503 patients with AGA (329 men, 174 women). We collected the various demographic data, family history of AGA, history of past treatment, self-perception of hair loss and treatment willingness using structured questionnaires. Then, we provided the knowledge about AGA to the half of subjects and compared the treatment willingness between educated group and nond-educated group. Results Two-hundred and forty-seven out of 503 patients (49.1%) did not have illness perception and 262 out of 503 patients (52.1%) did not have treatment willingness in future. The patients with perception of hair loss, accurate information on hair loss and severe hair loss showed 1.745-fold, 1.700-fold, and 2.078-fold higher tendency of receiving treatment in future. Conclusion Our findings imply that patients with perception and greater understanding of AGA tend to pursue treatment for AGA. Thus, these elements should be taken into account when treating patients. In addition, emphasis on education is needed to increase public awareness of the AGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Kyung Kim
- Department of Dermatology and Institute of Hair and Cosmetic Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Solam Lee
- Department of Dermatology and Institute of Hair and Cosmetic Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Myeongsoo Jun
- Department of Dermatology and Institute of Hair and Cosmetic Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Hee-Chul Chung
- Department of Dermatology and Institute of Hair and Cosmetic Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Sung-Soo Oh
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Won-Soo Lee
- Department of Dermatology and Institute of Hair and Cosmetic Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
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Friedman EE, Dean HD, Duffus WA. Incorporation of Social Determinants of Health in the Peer-Reviewed Literature: A Systematic Review of Articles Authored by the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention. Public Health Rep 2018; 133:392-412. [PMID: 29874147 DOI: 10.1177/0033354918774788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Social determinants of health (SDHs) are the complex, structural, and societal factors that are responsible for most health inequities. Since 2003, the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP) has researched how SDHs place communities at risk for communicable diseases and poor adolescent health. We described the frequency and types of SDHs discussed in articles authored by NCHHSTP. METHODS We used the MEDLINE/PubMed search engine to systematically review the frequency and type of SDHs that appeared in peer-reviewed publications available in PubMed from January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2014, with a NCHHSTP affiliation. We chose search terms to identify articles with a focus on the following SDH categories: income and employment, housing and homelessness, education and schooling, stigma or discrimination, social or community context, health and health care, and neighborhood or built environment. We classified articles based on the depth of topic coverage as "substantial" (ie, one of ≤3 foci of the article) or "minimal" (ie, one of ≥4 foci of the article). RESULTS Of 862 articles authored by NCHHSTP, 366 (42%) addressed the SDH factors of interest. Some articles addressed >1 SDH factor (366 articles appeared 568 times across the 7 categories examined), and we examined them for each category that they addressed. Most articles that addressed SDHs (449/568 articles; 79%) had a minimal SDH focus. SDH categories that were most represented in the literature were health and health care (190/568 articles; 33%) and education and schooling (118/568 articles; 21%). CONCLUSIONS This assessment serves as a baseline measurement of inclusion of SDH topics from NCHHSTP authors in the literature and creates a methodology that can be used in future assessments of this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor E Friedman
- 1 Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health/CDC Public Health Fellowship Program, Atlanta, GA, USA.,2 Office of Health Equity, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.,3 Chicago Center for HIV Elimination and University of Chicago Department of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hazel D Dean
- 4 Office of the Director, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Wayne A Duffus
- 2 Office of Health Equity, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Delile JM, de Ledinghen V, Jauffret-Roustide M, Roux P, Reiller B, Foucher J, Dhumeaux D. Hepatitis C virus prevention and care for drug injectors: the French approach. HEPATOLOGY, MEDICINE AND POLICY 2018; 3:7. [PMID: 30288330 PMCID: PMC5987624 DOI: 10.1186/s41124-018-0033-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
After France removed hepatitis C treatment reimbursement restrictions on 25 May 2016, an expert report presented recommendations, which focused on vulnerable groups including people who inject drugs (PWID). This commentary presents the key points of the chapter with a particular focus on policy. Thanks to the official lifting of restrictions based on disease stage and to the excellent efficacy and tolerance of the new DAA (Direct-Acting Antivirals) among PWID, the main issue is to improve the HCV care cascade. In France, many HCV-infected PWID, especially active/current PWID, remain undiagnosed and unlinked to care. Our challenge is to improve HCV screening by point of care testing (POCT), outreach methods with mobile teams, rapid tests, FibroScan, etc. and to provide PWID with appropriate services in all the settings they attend, such as drug treatment or harm reduction services, social services, prisons, etc. Another important issue is the prevention of reinfection through comprehensive and long-term follow-up. The report recommends a new national policy: testing and treating PWID as a priority, since this is the best way to eliminate HCV infection. It requires a global strategy consisting of combined and long-term interventions: prevention, outreach, screening, DAA, drug treatment programs including opiate substitution treatment (OST) and various harm reduction programs, including needle exchange programs (NEP). Ideally, these services should be delivered in the same place with an integrated approach. This should lead to meeting the national objective set by the government of eliminating hepatitis C by 2025.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Michel Delile
- Comité d’étude et d’information sur la drogue et les addictions (CEID), 20, place Pey-Berland, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Marie Jauffret-Roustide
- Cermes 3 (Inserm U988/CNRS UMR 8211/EHESS/Paris Descartes University) and French National Public Health Agency, Paris, France
| | - Perrine Roux
- Inserm UMR1252/IRD/SESSTIM/Aix-Marseille University/ORS PACA, Marseille, France
| | - Brigitte Reiller
- Comité d’étude et d’information sur la drogue et les addictions (CEID), 20, place Pey-Berland, 33000 Bordeaux, France
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Zeremski M, Martinez A. Liver Disease and Fibrosis Assessment in Substance Use-Related Disorders. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev 2018; 6:164-168. [PMID: 28263455 DOI: 10.1002/cpdd.312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Substance users have the highest prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection but have rarely been treated, largely because of their mistrust of the health care system, misconceptions about the consequences of the infection, and concerns regarding interferon-related side effects. With the development of highly efficacious, interferon-free therapeutic regimens without significant side effects, the concept of colocating HCV and substance use treatment would appear to be highly feasible. This process has been further facilitated by widespread clinical adaptation of noninvasive assays for fibrosis assessment, which could be performed routinely in substance use treatment facilities. The most commonly used noninvasive fibrosis assessment methods are serum marker indexes and transient elastography, both of which are very accurate in detecting cirrhosis or the absence of fibrosis, but much less successful in identifying intermediate fibrosis stages. The effect of drugs of abuse on the liver is not completely understood or sufficiently studied. There are no indications that heroin and cocaine affect fibrosis progression, but some recreational drugs (eg, alcohol and cannabis) can induce hepatic injury. In addition, knowledge gaps exist on the effect of impaired liver function on metabolism or transport of agents used to treat substance disorders as well as their interactions with HCV antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Zeremski
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anthony Martinez
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
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27
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Bass SB, Jessop A, Maurer L, Gashat M, Al Hajji M, Gutierrez M. Mapping the Barriers and Facilitators of HCV Treatment Initiation in Methadone Maintenance Therapy Patients: Implications for Intervention Development. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2017; 23:117-127. [PMID: 29252118 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2017.1414902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
An estimated 70-90% of current methadone users have Hepatitis C (HCV). Current treatments have few side effects and can cure infection in 8-12 weeks, but less than 10% of methadone patients initiate treatment. Engaging this group in treatment is an important strategy to lower both morbidity and mortality from liver disease and eliminate a significant reservoir of HCV in communities. To understand how to address this treatment gap we used commercial marketing techniques called perceptual mapping and vector message modeling to analyze survey data from 100 HCV+ methadone patients from four centers in Philadelphia. Results were used to understand barriers and facilitators to treatment initiation and to devise targeted message strategies to adapt to a mobile health communication intervention. Results indicate that focusing on how treatment can make one feel "in charge", positive interactions with healthcare providers, the positive attributes of the new vs. old HCV treatments, and providing strategies to address tangible barriers to getting treatment, would be important to address in a communication intervention. These marketing methods allow for focusing on specific variables to "move" the group toward a treatment decision, making them an innovative technique to use in developing highly targeted health communication messages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bauerle Bass
- a Risk Communication Laboratory, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences , Temple University College of Public Health , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | | | - Laurie Maurer
- a Risk Communication Laboratory, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences , Temple University College of Public Health , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | | | - Mohammed Al Hajji
- a Risk Communication Laboratory, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences , Temple University College of Public Health , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - Mercedes Gutierrez
- a Risk Communication Laboratory, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences , Temple University College of Public Health , Philadelphia , PA , USA
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28
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Bichoupan K, Tandon N, Crismale JF, Hartman J, Del Bello D, Patel N, Chekuri S, Harty A, Ng M, Sigel KM, Bansal MB, Grewal P, Chang CY, Leong J, Im GY, Liu LU, Odin JA, Bach N, Friedman SL, Schiano TD, Perumalswami PV, Dieterich DT, Branch AD. Real-world cure rates for hepatitis C virus treatments that include simeprevir and/or sofosbuvir are comparable to clinical trial results. World J Virol 2017; 6:59-72. [PMID: 29147645 PMCID: PMC5680347 DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v6.i4.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess the real-world effectiveness and cost of simeprevir (SMV), and/or sofosbuvir (SOF)-based therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. METHODS The real-world performance of patients treated with SMV/SOF ± ribavirin (RBV), SOF/RBV, and SOF/RBV with pegylated-interferon (PEG) were analyzed in a consecutive series of 508 patients with chronic HCV infection treated at a single academic medical center. Patients with genotypes 1 through 4 were included. Rates of sustained virological response - the absence of a detectable serum HCV RNA 12 wk after the end of treatment [sustained virological response (SVR) 12] - were calculated on an intention-to-treat basis. Costs were calculated from the payer's perspective using Medicare/Medicaid fees and Redbook Wholesale Acquisition Costs. Patient-related factors associated with SVR12 were identified using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS SVR12 rates were as follows: 86% (95%CI: 80%-91%) among 178 patients on SMV/SOF ± RBV; 62% (95%CI: 55%-68%) among 234 patients on SOF/RBV; and 78% (95%CI: 68%-86%) among 96 patients on SOF/PEG/RBV. Mean costs-per-SVR12 were $174442 (standard deviation: ± $18588) for SMV/SOF ± RBV; $223003 (± $77946) for SOF/RBV; and $126496 (± $31052) for SOF/PEG/RBV. Among patients on SMV/SOF ± RBV, SVR12 was less likely in patients previously treated with a protease inhibitor [odds ratio (OR): 0.20, 95%CI: 0.06-0.56]. Higher bilirubin (OR: 0.47, 95%CI: 0.30-0.69) reduced the likelihood of SVR12 among patients on SOF/RBV, while FIB-4 score ≥ 3.25 reduced the likelihood of SVR12 (OR: 0.18, 95%CI: 0.05-0.59) among those on SOF/PEG/RBV. CONCLUSION SVR12 rates for SMV and/or SOF-based regimens in a diverse real-world population are comparable to those in clinical trials. Treatment failure accounts for 27% of costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kian Bichoupan
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Neeta Tandon
- Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC, Titusville, NJ 08560, United States
| | - James F Crismale
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Joshua Hartman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - David Del Bello
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Neal Patel
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Sweta Chekuri
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Alyson Harty
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Michel Ng
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Keith M Sigel
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Meena B Bansal
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Priya Grewal
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Charissa Y Chang
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Jennifer Leong
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Gene Y Im
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Lawrence U Liu
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Joseph A Odin
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Nancy Bach
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Thomas D Schiano
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Ponni V Perumalswami
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Douglas T Dieterich
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Andrea D Branch
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
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29
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Socías ME, Ti L, Dong H, Shoveller J, Kerr T, Montaner J, Milloy MJ. High prevalence of willingness to use direct-acting antiviral-based regimens for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among HIV/HCV coinfected people who use drugs. HIV Med 2017; 18:647-654. [PMID: 28294492 PMCID: PMC5819997 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite the high burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related morbidity and mortality among HIV-positive people who use illicit drugs (PWUD), uptake of interferon-based treatments for HCV infection has been negligible among this group. Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies offer an opportunity to expand treatment access among this population. The aim of this study was to explore willingness to use DAA-based regimens among HIV/HCV-coinfected PWUD in Vancouver, Canada. METHODS Data were drawn from the AIDS Care Cohort to evaluate Exposure to Survival Services (ACCESS), a prospective cohort of HIV-positive PWUD. Using logistic regression analyses, we investigated factors associated with willingness to use DAA-based regimens among HIV/HCV-coinfected participants. RESULTS Of 418 HIV/HCV-coinfected PWUD surveyed between June 2014 and May 2015, 295 (71%) were willing to use DAA-based regimens. In multivariable analysis, participants enrolled in methadone maintenance therapy [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.61; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-2.51], those with a recent assessment by an HCV specialist (AOR 2.02; 95% CI 1.28-3.19) and those who perceived that HCV infection was affecting their health (AOR 2.49; 95% CI 1.41-4.37) were more likely to be willing to use DAA-based regimens. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this study found a high prevalence of willingness to use DAA-based regimens among HIV/HCV-coinfected PWUD in Vancouver. Importantly, enrolment in methadone maintenance therapy was positively associated with willingness, suggesting that integrated models of HIV, HCV and addiction care should be explored as a way to address HCV-related morbidity and mortality among HIV/HCV-coinfected PWUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Eugenia Socías
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul’s Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 1Y6
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul’s Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 1Y6
| | - Lianping Ti
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul’s Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 1Y6
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul’s Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 1Y6
| | - Huiru Dong
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul’s Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 1Y6
| | - Jean Shoveller
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul’s Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 1Y6
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z3
| | - Thomas Kerr
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul’s Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 1Y6
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul’s Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 1Y6
| | - Julio Montaner
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul’s Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 1Y6
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul’s Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 1Y6
| | - M-J Milloy
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul’s Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 1Y6
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul’s Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6Z 1Y6
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30
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Mukherjee TI, Pillai V, Ali SH, Altice FL, Kamarulzaman A, Wickersham JA. Evaluation of a hepatitis C education intervention with clients enrolled in methadone maintenance and needle/syringe programs in Malaysia. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2017; 47:144-152. [PMID: 28652072 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 40%-90% of people who inject drugs (PWID) in Malaysia have hepatitis C (HCV). PWID continue to be disproportionately affected by HCV due to their lack of knowledge, perceived risk and interest in HCV treatment. Education interventions may be an effective strategy for increasing HCV knowledge in PWID, and harm reduction services are uniquely positioned to implement and deploy such interventions. METHODS We recruited 176 clients from methadone maintenance treatment (MMT: N=110) and needle/syringe programs (NSP: N=66) between November 2015 and August 2016. After baseline knowledge assessments, clients participated in a standardized, 45-min HCV education program and completed post-intervention knowledge assessments to measure change in knowledge and treatment interest. RESULTS Participants were mostly male (96.3%), Malay (94.9%), and in their early 40s (mean=42.6years). Following the intervention, overall knowledge scores and treatment interest in MMT clients increased by 68% and 16%, respectively (p<0.001). In contrast, NSP clients showed no significant improvement in overall knowledge or treatment interest, and perceived greater treatment barriers. Multivariate linear regression to assess correlates of HCV knowledge post-intervention revealed that optimal dosage of MMT and having had an HIV test in the past year significantly increased HCV knowledge. Having received a hepatitis B vaccine, however, was not associated with increased HCV knowledge after participating in an education session. CONCLUSION Generally, HCV knowledge and screening is low among clients engaged in MMT and NSP services in Malaysia. Integrating a brief, but comprehensive HCV education session within harm reduction services may be a low-cost and effective strategy in improving overall HCV knowledge and risk behaviors in resource-limited settings. In order to be an effective public health approach, however, education interventions must be paired with strategies that improve social, economic and political outcomes for PWID. Doing so may reduce HCV disparities by increasing screening and treatment interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trena I Mukherjee
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Veena Pillai
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Siti Hafizah Ali
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Frederick L Altice
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, CT, USA; Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Yale University School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, CT, USA
| | - Adeeba Kamarulzaman
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, CT, USA; Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jeffrey A Wickersham
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, CT, USA; Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Gonzalez SA, Fierer DS, Talal AH. Medical and Behavioral Approaches to Engage People Who Inject Drugs Into Care for Hepatitis C Virus Infection. ADDICTIVE DISORDERS & THEIR TREATMENT 2017; 16:S1-S23. [PMID: 28701904 PMCID: PMC5491232 DOI: 10.1097/adt.0000000000000104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C virus infection may revolutionize treatment among persons with substance use disorders. Despite persons with substance use disorders having the highest hepatitis C virus prevalence and incidence, the vast majority have not engaged into care for the infection. Previously, interferon-based treatments, with substantial side effects and the propensity to exacerbate mental health conditions, were major disincentives to pursuit of care for the infection. Direct-acting antivirals with viral eradication rates of >90%, significantly improved side effect profiles, and shorter treatment duration are dramatic improvements over prior treatment regimens that should promote widespread hepatitis C virus care among persons with substance use disorders. The major unmet need is strategies to promote persons with substance use disorders engagement into care for hepatitis C virus. Although physical integration of treatment for substance use and co-occurring conditions has been widely advocated, it has been difficult to achieve. Telemedicine offers an opportunity for virtual integration of behavioral and medical treatments that could be supplemented by conventional interventions such as hepatitis C virus education, case management, and peer navigation. Furthermore, harm reduction and strategies to reduce viral transmission are important to cease reinfection among persons with substance use disorders. Widespread prescription of therapy for hepatitis C virus infection to substance users will be required to achieve the ultimate goal of global virus elimination. Combinations of medical and behavioral interventions should be used to promote persons with substance use disorders engagement into and adherence with direct-acting antiviral-based treatment approaches. Ultimately, either physical or virtual colocation of hepatitis C virus and substance use treatment has the potential to improve adherence and consequently treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stevan A. Gonzalez
- Division of Hepatology, Baylor Simmons Transplant Institute, Fort Worth, TX
| | | | - Andrew H. Talal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Jacobs School of Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
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Talal AH, Chen Y, Zeremski M, Zavala R, Sylvester C, Kuhns M, Brown LS, Markatou M, Cloherty GA. Hepatitis C virus core antigen: A potential alternative to HCV RNA testing among persons with substance use disorders. J Subst Abuse Treat 2017; 78:37-42. [PMID: 28554601 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2017.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen (HCVcAg) may be an alternative diagnostic method to HCV RNA especially in populations such as substance users, the homeless or in resource-limited settings. AIMS To evaluate performance of HCVcAg test in patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) on methadone in order to document its performance characteristics in the target population and to ensure that its specificity remains consistent across different populations. METHODS HCVcAg levels from 109 methadone-maintained patients were compared to HCV RNA levels. RESULTS Mean age was 53.8±7.8years, 59.6% were male, 68.8% African American, and 44% HCV-infected. HCVcAg was detectable in 47 of 48 HCV-infected, and undetectable in all HCV RNA negative patients. The HCVcAg assay had sensitivity of 97.9% and specificity of 100%. Correlation with HCV RNA levels was excellent (r=0.88, 95% CI 0.76; 0.95, p<0.01). CONCLUSION HCVcAg has excellent performance for the diagnosis of HCV infection in patients with OUD on methadone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H Talal
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA; START Treatment & Recovery Centers, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Marija Zeremski
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | | | | | - Mary Kuhns
- Abbott Diagnostics, Inc, Abbott Park, IL, USA
| | | | - Marianthi Markatou
- Department of Biostatistics, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Mah A, Hull MW, DeBeck K, Milloy MJ, Dobrer S, Nosova E, Wood E, Kerr T, Hayashi K. Knowledge of hepatitis C and treatment willingness amongst people who inject drugs in an era of direct acting antivirals. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2017; 47:137-143. [PMID: 28347636 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is believed to be important in altering risk behaviour, improving engagement in care, and promoting willingness to initiate HCV treatment. We assessed factors associated with HCV knowledge and treatment willingness amongst people who inject drugs (PWID) in an era of direct acting antivirals. METHODS Data were derived from three prospective cohort studies of PWID in Vancouver, Canada, between June 2014 and May 2015. HCV knowledge and treatment willingness were assessed using a Likert scale. Multivariable linear regression identified factors associated with higher HCV knowledge and treatment willingness. RESULTS Amongst 630 participants, mean scores for HCV knowledge and treatment willingness were 25.41 (standard deviation [SD]: 2.52) out of 30, and 6.83 (SD: 1.83) out of 10, respectively. In multivariable analyses, Caucasian ancestry (adjusted linear regression model estimate [β] 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.17, 0.82), employment (β 0.76; 95% CI: 0.38, 1.13), diagnosed mental health disorder (β 0.44; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.78) and previous HCV treatment (β 0.94; 95% CI: 0.46, 1.43) were independently associated with higher knowledge. Downtown Eastside (DTES) residence (i.e., epicenter of Vancouver's drug scene) was independently associated with lower knowledge (β -0.48; 95% CI: -0.81, -0.15). Greater HCV knowledge (β 0.12; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.17) was independently associated with higher HCV treatment willingness. DTES residence (β -0.31; 95% CI: -0.56, -0.06) and daily crack cocaine smoking (β -0.52; 95% CI: -0.92, -0.13) were independently associated with lower treatment willingness. CONCLUSION Socioeconomic factors, such as neighborhood residence and employment, were associated with HCV knowledge. Higher HCV knowledge was associated with more HCV treatment willingness. Our findings suggest that increasing HCV knowledge amongst PWID may be an integral component of the HCV cascade of care and that efforts might be best targeted to individuals with greater socioeconomic disadvantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Mah
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Mark W Hull
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada; British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Kora DeBeck
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada; School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 5804 Fairview Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Michael John Milloy
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada; British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Sabina Dobrer
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Ekaterina Nosova
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Evan Wood
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada; British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Thomas Kerr
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada; British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Kanna Hayashi
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Blusson Hall, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada.
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Arain A, De Sousa J, Corten K, Verrando R, Thijs H, Mathei C, Buntinx F, Robaeys G. Pilot Study: Combining Formal and Peer Education with FibroScan to Increase HCV Screening and Treatment in Persons who use Drugs. J Subst Abuse Treat 2016; 67:44-9. [PMID: 27296661 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment uptake for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains low in persons who inject drugs (PWID), due to lack of knowledge and low perceived need for treatment. Therefore, we conducted a pilot study to assess the influence on knowledge and willingness for HCV screening and treatment among persons who use drugs (PWUD) by combining formal and peer education with FibroScan measurement. METHODS Clients of the Center for Alcohol and other Drug problems (CAD) in Limburg (Belgium) were randomized into a control group, which received the standard of care, and an intervention group, which received an innovative combination of formal and peer education followed by FibroScan. Knowledge of HCV infection and willingness for screening and treatment were evaluated at baseline, after intervention and 1 and 3months after intervention by means of questionnaires. RESULTS Baseline knowledge was similar for the control (n=27) and the intervention group (n=25) (58 vs. 59%; p=0.67). Immediately after the information session, knowledge increased to 86% (p<0.001) in the intervention group. After 3months, knowledge decreased significantly (69%; p=0.01). No significant changes in knowledge were found in the control group. Baseline willingness for treatment was 81% in both the control and intervention groups, but after 1 month decreased in the control group (44%) and remained stable in the intervention group (75%). Differences in actual screening uptake between the control and intervention group were not significant (7% vs. 20%). Four percent of the intervention group and no one in the control group started treatment. CONCLUSION The small number of subjects should be considered when interpreting the results of this study. In brief, the single information session significantly improved HCV knowledge among PWUD, but did not result in a higher uptake for screening and treatment. This could signify that there are other important reasons, besides lack of knowledge, not to undergo screening or start treatment. The fact that knowledge decreased after 3months indicates that it would be beneficial to repeat the information session regularly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Arain
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium; Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universiteit Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium.
| | - Jessica De Sousa
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universiteit Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Kirsten Corten
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universiteit Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | | | | | - Catharina Mathei
- Free Clinic, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Public Health and Primary Care KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frank Buntinx
- Department of General Practice, KU Leuven, Belgium and Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Robaeys
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium; Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universiteit Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium; Department of Hepatology, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Willingness to Receive Treatment for Hepatitis C among Injecting Drug Users on Methadone Program: Implications for Education and Treatment. ADDICTION & HEALTH 2016; 8:90-97. [PMID: 27882206 PMCID: PMC5115642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is common among people who inject drugs (PWID) on methadoneprogram in Iran (Persia). However, a few PWID on methadone program report willingness to receive HCVtreatment. This study aimed to assess the factors which were associated with willingness to receive HCVtreatment in a group of PWID on methadone program in Iran. METHODS We surveyed 187 PWID at seven drops in centers in Tehran, Iran. Details of demographiccharacteristics, drug use, injection, HCV, and drug treatment history were collected using a 25-itemquestionnaire. Participants were serologically tested for the current status of HCV. FINDINGS The study found that 28.3% of the participants were HCV seropositive. In total, 49.1% of theparticipants reported unwillingness to receive HCV treatment. Awareness of current HCV status [odds ratio(OR) = 3.43; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.33-7.26; P < 0.050]; adequate knowledge of HCV treatmentcenters in the community (OR = 3.9; 95% CI: 1.24-5.38; P < 0.050); participation in an educational programon HCV (OR = 2.9; 95% CI: 2.33-8.56; P < 0.001) and recent participation in the meetings of self-helpgroups (OR = 4.6; 95% CI: 3.43-9.33; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with current willingness toreceive HCV treatment. CONCLUSION The study results indicate that awareness of HCV status and the provision of adequate HCVeducation via different information centers can be associated with an increased willingness for HCVtreatment among PWID on methadone program. Conducting more research is suggested to assess theefficacy of educational programs and self-help groups in facilitating HCV treatment among PWID onmethadone program.
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Hepatitis C Virus Testing and Treatment Among Persons Receiving Buprenorphine in an Office-Based Program for Opioid Use Disorders. J Subst Abuse Treat 2016; 66:54-9. [PMID: 26988423 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2016.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2015] [Revised: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIMS In the United States, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is primarily spread through injection drug use. There is an urgent need to improve access to care for HCV among persons with opioid use disorders who inject drugs. The purpose of our study was to determine the prevalence of HCV, patient characteristics, and receipt of appropriate care in a sample of patients treated with buprenorphine for their opioid use disorders in a primary care setting. METHODS This study used retrospective clinical data from the electronic medical record. The study population included patients receiving buprenorphine in the Office Based Opioid Treatment (OBOT) clinic within the adult primary medicine clinic at Boston Medical Center between October 2003 and August 2013 who received a conclusive HCV antibody (Ab) test within a year of clinic entry. We compared characteristics by HCV serostatus using Pearson's chi-square and provided numbers/percentages receiving appropriate care. RESULTS The sample comprised 700 patients. Slightly less than half of all patients (n=334, 47.7%) were HCV Ab positive, and were significantly more likely to be older, Hispanic or African American, have diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or bipolar disorder, have prior heroin or cocaine use, and be HIV-infected. Among the 334 HCV Ab positive patients, 226 (67.7%) had detectable HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) indicating chronic HCV infection; only 5 patients (2.21%) with chronic HCV infection ever initiated treatment. CONCLUSIONS Nearly half of patients (47.7%) receiving office-based treatment with buprenorphine for their opioid use disorder had a positive hepatitis C virus antibody screening test although initiation of HCV treatment was nearly non-existent (2.21%).
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Evidence-based interventions to enhance assessment, treatment, and adherence in the chronic Hepatitis C care continuum. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2015; 26:922-35. [PMID: 26077144 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2015.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Revised: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the explosion of newly available direct acting antiviral (DAA) Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatments that demonstrate 95% sustained virologic response (SVR) rates, evidence-based strategies are urgently needed to achieve real-world effectiveness in challenging patient populations. While HIV is incurable, lessons from over 30 years of experience overcoming obstacles to the HIV treatment cascade could be applied to the HCV context. METHODS Using Institute of Medicine guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of published interventions from PubMed, Medline, GoogleScholar, EmBASE, and PsychInfo bibliographic databases and citation indices. Abstracts were first screened by three independent reviewers and studies were included if they involved original research, described a specific intervention, were published in English in a peer-reviewed journal between 2001 and 2014, and had full text available. RESULTS Evidence-based interventions to enhance HCV assessment, treatment, and adherence generally fell into one of 4 categories, including those involving: (1) diagnosis or case-finding; (2) linkage to HCV care; (3) pre-therapeutic evaluation or treatment initiation; or (4) treatment adherence. While most available eligible studies described interventions using non-contemporary interferon-based HCV treatments, future research will need to address how these interventions apply to the context of well-tolerated, simple, oral treatment regimens. In some cases, we explored how HIV-specific interventions might be modified to fit the HCV spectrum of care engagement. CONCLUSIONS Evidence-based interventions should be strategically incorporated into HCV treatment implementation efforts to most effectively deliver treatment and maximize treatment outcomes.
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