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Papalamprakopoulou Z, Roussos S, Ntagianta E, Triantafyllou V, Kalamitsis G, Dharia A, Sypsa V, Hatzakis A, Talal AH. Considerations for equitable distribution of digital healthcare for people who use drugs. BMC Health Serv Res 2025; 25:531. [PMID: 40211324 PMCID: PMC11983786 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-025-12619-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2025] [Indexed: 04/14/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telehealth holds the potential to expand healthcare access for people who use drugs (PWUD). However, limited data exist on their digital infrastructure access, a prerequisite for telehealth participation. We studied digital healthcare accessibility among PWUD. METHODS We employed respondent-driven sampling to recruit 162 PWUD in Athens, Greece to assess current internet and computer access and telemedicine experience via a structured questionnaire. Participants were at least 18 years with an injection drug use (IDU) history. We utilized logistic regression to evaluate sociodemographic associations. RESULTS Participants' mean (SD) age was 45.9 (8.8) years, 84.0% were male, 90.1% Greek, 77.8% reported IDU within the past year, 85.2% were not linked to opioid treatment, and 50.0% were experiencing homelessness. Only 1.9% had telemedicine experience. Internet and computer access were reported by 66.0% and 31.5%, respectively. Most (77.9%) used mobile phones for internet access. Compared to participants with secure housing, those experiencing homelessness reported decreased internet (50.6% vs. 81.5%, p < 0.001) and computer access (11.1% vs. 51.9%, p < 0.001). Multivariable analyses revealed that older age (per 1-year increase: OR = 0.94, 95% CI [0.89, 0.99], p = 0.03)), IDU within the past year (0.29 [0.10, 0.88], p = 0.03), and homelessness (0.29, [0.13, 0.65], p = 0.003) were associated with lower odds of internet access. CONCLUSIONS Two-thirds of PWUD accessed the internet, mainly via mobile phones, while only one-third gained access through a computer. Very few PWUD used telemedicine. Homelessness, recent IDU, and older age may further limit digital infrastructure access and should be considered when designing equitable digital healthcare solutions for PWUD. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT05794984, Protocol: STUDY00007088, Date: 2023-04-03).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoi Papalamprakopoulou
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, UB-CTRC, Suite 6090, 875 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
- Hellenic Scientific Society for the Study of AIDS, Sexually Transmitted and Emerging Diseases, Athens, Greece
| | - Sotirios Roussos
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | - Arpan Dharia
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, UB-CTRC, Suite 6090, 875 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Vana Sypsa
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Angelos Hatzakis
- Hellenic Scientific Society for the Study of AIDS, Sexually Transmitted and Emerging Diseases, Athens, Greece
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Andrew H Talal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, UB-CTRC, Suite 6090, 875 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
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Ganesh SS, Goldshear JL, Wilkins P, Kovalsky E, Simpson KA, Page CJ, Corsi K, Ceasar RC, Barocas JA, Bluthenthal RN. Risk Factors for Infective Endocarditis and Serious Injection Related Infections Among People Who Inject Drugs in Los Angeles, CA and Denver, CO. Drug Alcohol Depend 2025; 269:112588. [PMID: 39954415 PMCID: PMC11955157 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2025.112588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2024] [Revised: 01/24/2025] [Accepted: 01/27/2025] [Indexed: 02/17/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injection drug use-related infective endocarditis (IDU-IE) and bacterial infections have grown in the United States, but little is known about risk factors for these infections in community samples of people who inject drugs (PWID). METHODS During 2021-22, PWID were recruited from community settings and surveyed for history of IDU-IE, serious injection related symptoms (SIRI) and untreated infection symptoms in the last 3 months. We used bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression to examine factors associated with these outcomes. RESULTS Among participants (n = 472), 7 % reported ever having IDU-IE, 14 % reported having SIRI symptoms and 20 % reported untreated infection symptoms in the last 3 months. Ever having IDU-IE was associated with HCV (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=8.37; 95 % confidence interval [CI]=2.46, 28.49), prior MRSA infection (AOR=5.37; 95 % CI=2.44, 11.80), identifying as female and/or gender minority person (AOR=3.14; 95 % CI=1.42, 6.95). SIRI symptoms were associated with greater material hardship (compared to low; AOR=2.47; 95 % CI=1.17, 5.22), fentanyl use (AOR=2.15; 95 % CI=1.01, 4.61), sharing filter/cotton (AOR=1.93; 95 % CI=1.10, 3.39), and licking needle prior to injection (AOR=1.85; 95 % CI=1.02, 3.36). Untreated infection symptoms were associated with poor quality sleep (AOR=2.04; 95 % CI=1.21, 3.43), any mental health diagnoses (AOR=2.01; 95 % CI=3.56), any chronic pain (AOR=1.89; 95 % CI=1.14, 3.11), sharing filters (AOR=1.81; 95 % CI=1.10, 2.98), and prior MRSA infection (AOR=1.75; 95 % CI=1.04, 2.97). CONCLUSION Risk factors identified include treatable co-morbidities (i.e., HCV & MRSA history, mental health, pain, opioid use), modifiable health behaviors (i.e., equipment sharing, needle-licking), and addressable structural conditions (material hardship, housing).
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhi S Ganesh
- Keck School of Medicine, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Jesse Lloyd Goldshear
- University of California San Diego, Division of Infectious Diseases & Global Public Health, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Patricia Wilkins
- University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Eric Kovalsky
- University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Kelsey A Simpson
- University of California San Diego, Division of Infectious Diseases & Global Public Health, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Cheyenne J Page
- University of California Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Karen Corsi
- University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Rachel Carmen Ceasar
- Keck School of Medicine, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joshua A Barocas
- University of Colorado Medicine, Department of Medicine, Divisions of Infectious Diseases and General Internal Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ricky N Bluthenthal
- Keck School of Medicine, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Patel P, Wells MT, Wethington E, Shapiro M, Parvez Y, Kapadia SN, Talal AH. United States Provider Experiences With Telemedicine for Hepatitis C Treatment: A Nationwide Survey. J Viral Hepat 2024; 31:873-879. [PMID: 39351776 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.14010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/14/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination requires treatment access expansion, especially for underserved populations. Telehealth has the potential to improve HCV treatment access, although data are limited on its incorporation into standard clinical practice. We conducted a cross-sectional, email survey of 598 US HCV treatment providers who had valid email addresses and (1) were located in urban areas and had written ≥ 20 prescriptions for HCV treatment to US Medicare beneficiaries in 2019-2020 or (2) were located in non-urban areas and wrote any HCV prescriptions in 2019-2020. Through email, we notified providers of a self-administered electronic 28-item survey of clinical strategies and attitudes about telemedicine for HCV. We received 86 responses (14% response rate), of which 75 used telemedicine for HCV in 2022. Of those 75, 24% were gastroenterologists/hepatologists, 23% general medicine, 17% infectious diseases and 32% non-physicians. Most (82%) referred patients to commercial laboratories, and 85% had medications delivered directly to patients. Overwhelmingly, respondents (92%) felt that telehealth increases healthcare access, and 76% reported that it promotes or is neutral for treatment completion. Factors believed to be 'extremely' or 'very' important for telehealth use included patient access to technology (86%); patients' internet access (74%); laboratory access (76%); reimbursement for video visits (74%) and audio-only visits (66%). Non-physician licensing and liability statutes were rated 'extremely' or 'very' important by 43% and 44%, respectively. Providers felt that telehealth increases HCV treatment access. Major limitations were technological requirements, reimbursement, and access to ancillary services. These findings support the importance of digital equity and literacy to achieve HCV elimination goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pruthvi Patel
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Martin T Wells
- Department of Statistics and Data Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Elaine Wethington
- Department of Psychology and Department of Sociology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Martin Shapiro
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yasir Parvez
- Department of Statistics and Data Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Shashi N Kapadia
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Andrew H Talal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
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Gonzalez CJ, Kapadia SN, Niederdeppe J, Dharia A, Talal AH, Lloyd AR, Franco R, Labossiere S, Shapiro MF, Wethington E. The State of Hepatitis C Elimination from the Front Lines: A Qualitative Study of Provider-Perceived Gaps to Treatment Initiation. J Gen Intern Med 2024; 39:2268-2276. [PMID: 38782810 PMCID: PMC11347520 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-024-08807-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C (HCV) is a curable chronic infection, but lack of treatment uptake contributes to ongoing morbidity and mortality. State and national strategies for HCV elimination emphasize the pressing need for people with HCV to receive treatment. OBJECTIVE To identify provider-perceived barriers that hinder the initiation of curative HCV treatment and elimination of HCV in the USA. APPROACH Qualitative semi-structured interviews with 36 healthcare providers who have evaluated patients with HCV in New York City, Western/Central New York, and Alabama. Interviews, conducted between 9/2021 and 9/2022, explored providers' experiences, perceptions, and approaches to HCV treatment initiation. Transcripts were analyzed using hybrid inductive and deductive thematic analysis informed by established health services and implementation frameworks. KEY RESULTS We revealed four major themes: (1) Providers encounter professional challenges with treatment provision, including limited experience with treatment and perceptions that it is beyond their scope, but are also motivated to learn to provide treatment; (2) providers work toward building streamlined and inclusive practice settings-leveraging partnerships with experts, optimizing efficiency through increased access, adopting inclusive cultures, and advocating for integrated care; (3) although at times overwhelmed by patients facing socioeconomic adversity, increases in public awareness and improvements in treatment policies create a favorable context for providers to treat; and (4) providers are familiar with the relative advantages of improved HCV treatments, but the reputation of past treatments continues to deter elimination. CONCLUSIONS To address the remaining barriers and facilitators providers experience in initiating HCV treatment, strategies will need to expand educational initiatives for primary care providers, further support local infrastructures and integrated care systems, promote public awareness campaigns, remove prior authorization requirements and treatment limitations, and address the negative reputation of outdated HCV treatments. Addressing these issues should be considered priorities for HCV elimination approaches at the state and national levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Gonzalez
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Shashi N Kapadia
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeff Niederdeppe
- Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy and Department of Communication, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Arpan Dharia
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Andrew H Talal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Audrey R Lloyd
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Ricardo Franco
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Stephane Labossiere
- Department of Health Studies & Applied Educational Psychology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Martin F Shapiro
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elaine Wethington
- Department of Psychology, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Department of Sociology, College of Arts and Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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Patel P, Wells MT, Wethington E, Shapiro M, Parvez Y, Kapadia SN, Talal AH. United States Provider Experiences with Telemedicine for Hepatitis C Treatment: A Nationwide Survey. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.05.12.24307239. [PMID: 38798476 PMCID: PMC11118592 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.12.24307239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination requires treatment access expansion, especially for underserved populations. Telehealth has the potential to improve HCV treatment access, although data are limited on its incorporation into standard clinical practice. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional, e-mail survey of 598 US HCV treatment providers who had valid email addresses and 1) were located in urban areas and had written ≥20 prescriptions for HCV treatment to US Medicare beneficiaries in 2019-20 or 2) were located in non-urban areas and wrote any HCV prescriptions in 2019-20. Through email, we notified providers of a self-administered electronic 28-item survey of clinical strategies and attitudes about telemedicine for HCV. Results We received 86 responses (14% response rate), of which 75 used telemedicine for HCV in 2022. Of those 75, 24% were gastroenterologists/hepatologists, 23% general medicine, 17% infectious diseases, and 32% non-physicians. Most (82%) referred patients to commercial laboratories, and 85% had medications delivered directly to patients. Overwhelmingly, respondents (92%) felt that telehealth increases healthcare access, and 76% reported that it promotes or is neutral for treatment completion. Factors believed to be "extremely" or "very" important for telehealth use included patient access to technology (86%); patients' internet access (74%); laboratory access (76%); reimbursement for video visits (74%) and audio-only visits (66%). Non-physician licensing and liability statutes were rated "extremely" or "very" important by 43% and 44%, respectively. Conclusions Providers felt that telehealth increases HCV treatment access. Major limitations were technological requirements, reimbursement, and access to ancillary services. These findings support the importance of digital equity and literacy to achieve HCV elimination goals.
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Chirunomula S, Muscarella A, Whelchel K, Gispen F, Marcovitz D, White K, Chastain C. Hepatitis C Cascade of Care in a Multidisciplinary Substance Use Bridge Clinic Model in Tennessee. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae205. [PMID: 38770209 PMCID: PMC11103616 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Many barriers prevent individuals with substance use disorders from receiving hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment. This study describes 96 patients with active HCV treated in an opioid use disorder bridge clinic model. Of 33 patients who initiated treatment, 25 patients completed treatment, and 13 patients achieved sustained virologic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Chirunomula
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Anahit Muscarella
- Department of Pharmacy, Vanderbilt Specialty Pharmacy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kristen Whelchel
- Department of Pharmacy, Vanderbilt Specialty Pharmacy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Fiona Gispen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - David Marcovitz
- Division of Addiction Psychiatry, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Katie White
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Cody Chastain
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Talal AH, Markatou M, Liu A, Perumalswami PV, Dinani AM, Tobin JN, Brown LS. Integrated Hepatitis C-Opioid Use Disorder Care Through Facilitated Telemedicine: A Randomized Trial. JAMA 2024; 331:1369-1378. [PMID: 38568601 PMCID: PMC10993166 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2024.2452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Importance Facilitated telemedicine may promote hepatitis C virus elimination by mitigating geographic and temporal barriers. Objective To compare sustained virologic responses for hepatitis C virus among persons with opioid use disorder treated through facilitated telemedicine integrated into opioid treatment programs compared with off-site hepatitis specialist referral. Design, Setting, and Participants Prospective, cluster randomized clinical trial using a stepped wedge design. Twelve programs throughout New York State included hepatitis C-infected participants (n = 602) enrolled between March 1, 2017, and February 29, 2020. Data were analyzed from December 1, 2022, through September 1, 2023. Intervention Hepatitis C treatment with direct-acting antivirals through comanagement with a hepatitis specialist either through facilitated telemedicine integrated into opioid treatment programs (n = 290) or standard-of-care off-site referral (n = 312). Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was hepatitis C virus cure. Twelve programs began with off-site referral, and every 9 months, 4 randomly selected sites transitioned to facilitated telemedicine during 3 steps without participant crossover. Participants completed 2-year follow-up for reinfection assessment. Inclusion criteria required 6-month enrollment in opioid treatment and insurance coverage of hepatitis C medications. Generalized linear mixed-effects models were used to test for the intervention effect, adjusted for time, clustering, and effect modification in individual-based intention-to-treat analysis. Results Among 602 participants, 369 were male (61.3%); 296 (49.2%) were American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, multiracial, or other (ie, no race category was selected, with race data collected according to the 5 standard National Institutes of Health categories); and 306 (50.8%) were White. The mean (SD) age of the enrolled participants in the telemedicine group was 47.1 (13.1) years; that of the referral group was 48.9 (12.8) years. In telemedicine, 268 of 290 participants (92.4%) initiated treatment compared with 126 of 312 participants (40.4%) in referral. Intention-to-treat cure percentages were 90.3% (262 of 290) in telemedicine and 39.4% (123 of 312) in referral, with an estimated logarithmic odds ratio of the study group effect of 2.9 (95% CI, 2.0-3.5; P < .001) with no effect modification. Observed cure percentages were 246 of 290 participants (84.8%) in telemedicine vs 106 of 312 participants (34.0%) in referral. Subgroup effects were not significant, including fibrosis stage, urban or rural participant residence location, or mental health (anxiety or depression) comorbid conditions. Illicit drug use decreased significantly (referral: 95% CI, 1.2-4.8; P = .001; telemedicine: 95% CI, 0.3-1.0; P < .001) among cured participants. Minimal reinfections (n = 13) occurred, with hepatitis C virus reinfection incidence of 2.5 per 100 person-years. Participants in both groups rated health care delivery satisfaction as high or very high. Conclusions and Relevance Opioid treatment program-integrated facilitated telemedicine resulted in significantly higher hepatitis C virus cure rates compared with off-site referral, with high participant satisfaction. Illicit drug use declined significantly among cured participants with minimal reinfections. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02933970.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H. Talal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | | | - Anran Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Ponni V. Perumalswami
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Amreen M. Dinani
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Jonathan N. Tobin
- Clinical Directors Network, Inc (CDN), New York, New York
- The Rockefeller University Center for Clinical and Translational Science, New York, New York
| | - Lawrence S. Brown
- START Treatment & Recovery Centers, Brooklyn, New York
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
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Barbati S, Strasser J, Allemann SS, Arnet I. Initiation of oral hepatitis C virus treatment: Which barriers are pertinent for ambulatory individuals with a history of illicit substance use? A qualitative interview study. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e1814. [PMID: 38260184 PMCID: PMC10802086 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims The World Health Organization has set a goal to eradicate hepatitis C virus (HCV) by the year 2030. Nonadherence to HCV treatment has substantial economic implications due to high treatment costs, among others. Barriers to start HCV treatment may be critical. The aim of this study was to assess pertinent barriers to HCV treatment in ambulatory patients with a history of illicit substance use and to compare them to the literature. Methods Barriers to HCV treatment mentioned by the key risk group (i.e., people who inject drugs) were retrieved from literature through a pragmatic literature search. From 34 published articles, we identified 80 modifiable barriers that were bundled in 23 items within the four topics "Personal difficulties and barriers to treatment," "Personal motivation to be treated," "Knowledge about the disease," and "Received information about the medicine." In-depth semistructured interviews were performed face-to-face with ambulatory patients from the University Psychiatric Clinics in Basel, Switzerland. Transcripts were coded inductively. Results Interviews were performed with seven individuals (mean age: 48.3 years; range: 38-63 years; one woman) treated with oral direct-acting antivirals between 2014 and 2022. Thirteen barriers to start HCV treatment were mentioned that corresponded to the five categories: information, attitudes, swallowing difficulties, social environment, and unfavorable lifestyle. The barrier "swallowing difficulties" emerged exclusively from the statements provided by the interviewees. Conclusion Barriers to the initiation of HCV treatment indicated by our interviewees clearly differed from the literature. Notably, the challenge of swallowing medicines may be particularly relevant for physicians prescribing and pharmacists dispensing HCV medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selina Barbati
- Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | | | - Samuel S. Allemann
- Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Isabelle Arnet
- Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of BaselBaselSwitzerland
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Hoff E, Warden A, Taylor R, Nijhawan AE. Hepatitis C Epidemiology in a Large Urban Jail: A Changing Demographic. Public Health Rep 2023; 138:248-258. [PMID: 35238249 PMCID: PMC10031839 DOI: 10.1177/00333549221076546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Nearly 1 in 3 people with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection pass through the criminal justice system annually; the system is a crucial location for HCV screening, education, and linkage to care. We aimed to (1) determine the prevalence and incidence of HCV antibody positivity and (2) evaluate the demographic characteristics of people with HCV in a large urban jail. METHODS We offered universal opt-out HCV testing to any person undergoing a routine blood test at the Dallas County Jail from June 2015 through December 2019 (N = 14 490). We extracted data on demographic characteristics from the electronic medical record and collected data on risk factors from people with HCV antibody positivity. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS The prevalence of HCV antibody positivity was 16.7%; the incidence was 13.5 cases per 1000 person-years. HCV antibody positivity was significantly associated with older age (P < .001), female sex (P = .004), non-Hispanic White race versus non-Hispanic Black race (P < .001), and being released to prison versus not (P < .001). Among people born after 1965, those who were HCV antibody-positive were more frequently non-Hispanic White and Hispanic women, whereas among those born in 1965 or before, those who were HCV antibody-positive were more frequently non-Hispanic Black men. CONCLUSIONS The high prevalence and incidence of HCV antibody positivity in a large county jail argue for routine, universal HCV testing and prevention counseling in criminal justice settings. Changing demographic characteristics mirror those of the national injection drug use epidemic and shed insight into designing interventions for risk reduction, education, linkage to care, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Hoff
- Division of Infectious Diseases,
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center,
Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Andrea Warden
- Parkland Health and Hospital Systems,
Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ruby Taylor
- Parkland Health and Hospital Systems,
Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ank E. Nijhawan
- Division of Infectious Diseases,
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center,
Dallas, TX, USA
- Parkland Health and Hospital Systems,
Dallas, TX, USA
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Saeed YA, Mason K, Mitsakakis N, Feld JJ, Bremner KE, Phoon A, Fried A, Wong JF, Powis J, Krahn MD, Wong WWL. Disparities in health utilities among hepatitis C patients receiving care in different settings. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2023; 6:24-38. [PMID: 36908577 PMCID: PMC9997513 DOI: 10.3138/canlivj-2022-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although chronic hepatitis C (CHC) disproportionately affects marginalized individuals, most health utility studies are conducted in hospital settings which are difficult for marginalized patients to access. We compared health utilities in CHC patients receiving care at hospital-based clinics and socio-economically marginalized CHC patients receiving care through a community-based program. METHODS: We recruited CHC patients from hospital-based clinics at the University Health Network and community-based sites of the Toronto Community Hep C Program, which provides treatment, support, and education to patients who have difficulty accessing mainstream health care. We elicited utilities using six standardized instruments (EuroQol-5D-3L [EQ-5D], Health Utilities Index Mark 2/Mark 3 [HUI2/HUI3], Short Form-6D [SF-6D], time trade-off [TTO], and Visual Analogue Scale [VAS]). Multivariable regression analysis was performed to examine factors associated with differences in health utility. RESULTS: Compared with patients recruited from the hospital setting (n = 190), patients recruited from the community setting (n = 101) had higher unemployment (87% versus 67%), history of injection drug use (88% versus 42%), and history of mental health issue(s) (79% versus 46%). Unadjusted health utilities were lower in community than hospital patients (e.g., EQ-5D: 0.722 [SD 0.209] versus 0.806 [SD 0.195]). Unemployment and a history of mental health issue(s) were significant predictors of low health utility. CONCLUSIONS: Socio-economically marginalized CHC patients have lower health utilities than patients typically represented in the CHC utility literature. Their utilities should be incorporated into future cost-utility analyses to better represent the population living with CHC in health policy decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin A Saeed
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kate Mason
- Toronto Community Hep C Program (TCHCP), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicholas Mitsakakis
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karen E Bremner
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Arcturus Phoon
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alice Fried
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Josephine F Wong
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeff Powis
- Toronto Community Hep C Program (TCHCP), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Michael Garron Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Murray D Krahn
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Deceased 01 07 22
| | - William WL Wong
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
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11
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Cunningham EB, Wheeler A, Hajarizadeh B, French CE, Roche R, Marshall AD, Fontaine G, Conway A, Bajis S, Valencia BM, Presseau J, Ward JW, Degenhardt L, Dore GJ, Hickman M, Vickerman P, Grebely J. Interventions to enhance testing and linkage to treatment for hepatitis C infection for people who inject drugs: A systematic review and meta-analysis. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 111:103917. [PMID: 36542883 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the advent of direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapies for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV), the World Health Organization recommended a goal to eliminate HCV as a public health threat globally by 2030. With the majority of new and existing infections in high income countries occurring among people who inject drugs, achieving this goal will require the design and implementation of interventions which address the unique barriers to HCV care faced by this population. METHODS In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched bibliographic databases and conference abstracts to July 21, 2020 for studies assessing interventions to improve the following study outcomes: HCV antibody testing, HCV RNA testing, linkage to care, and treatment initiation. We included both randomised and non-randomised studies which included a comparator arm. We excluded studies which enrolled only paediatric populations (<18 years old) and studies where the intervention was conducted in a different healthcare setting than the control or comparator. This analysis was restricted to studies conducted among people who inject drugs. Data were extracted from the identified records and meta-analysis was used to pool the effect of interventions on study outcomes. This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020178035). FINDINGS Of 15,342 unique records, 45 studies described the implementation of an intervention to improve HCV testing, linkage to care and treatment initiation among people who inject drugs. These included 27 randomised trials and 18 non-randomised studies with the risk of bias rated as "critical" for most non-randomised studies. Patient education and patient navigation to address patient-level barriers to HCV care were shown to improve antibody testing uptake and linkage to HCV care respectively although patient education did not improve antibody testing when restricted to randomised studies. Provider care coordination to address provider level barriers to HCV care was effective at improving antibody testing uptake. Three different interventions to address systems-level barriers to HCV care were effective across different stages of HCV care: point-of-care antibody testing (linkage to care); dried blood-spot testing (antibody testing uptake); and integrated care (linkage to care and treatment initiation). INTERPRETATION Multiple interventions are available that can address the barriers to HCV care for people who inject drugs at the patient-, provider-, and systems-level. The design of models of care to improve HCV testing and treatment among people who inject drugs must consider the unique barriers to care that this population faces. Further research, including high-quality randomised controlled trials, are needed to robustly assess the impact these interventions can have in varied populations and settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alice Wheeler
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Clare E French
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1UD, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Rachel Roche
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Division, National Infection Service, Public Health England Colindale, London, UK; The National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at UCL, NIHR, London, UK
| | - Alison D Marshall
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Guillaume Fontaine
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Anna Conway
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sahar Bajis
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Justin Presseau
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - John W Ward
- Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, The Task Force for Global Health, Decatur GA, USA
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1UD, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1UD, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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12
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Losikoff P, Bosse JD, Martin SA, Wilson A, Chiodo LM. Integrated hepatitis C treatment is associated with improved retention and success in outpatient treatment for opioid use disorder at a private clinic. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:932306. [PMID: 36186876 PMCID: PMC9515307 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.932306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Direct acting antiretrovirals (DAA) are effective for individuals who are infected with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), yet many people go without access to these lifesaving treatments. Materials and methods We conducted a non-randomized study evaluating treatment data for patients in outpatient treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) at a private clinic. Patients who were HCV-positive, had been in OUD treatment for at least 4 weeks, and engaged in integrated HCV treatment with DAA (co-located within their treatment for OUD) were compared to patients with HCV who only received OUD treatment. We evaluated HCV cure; OUD medication adherence, treatment utilization and retention; and illicit substance use for those engaged in treatment between 9/2016 and 1/2018. Results Seventy-four patients completed integrated HCV-OUD treatment with DAA, with 87.8% achieving cure. Of the 66 who completed treatment and were subsequently evaluated for sustained viral response 98.5% were cured. Patients who received integrated HCV and OUD treatment in our clinic, stayed in OUD treatment longer, demonstrated higher OUD medication adherence, and used less opioids or cocaine compared to HCV-infected patients (n = 572) being treated only for OUD. Discussion We have reported on a reproducible intervention that lends itself to outpatient OUD treatment. Analyses demonstrate the potential positive impact HCV treatment has on OUD recovery, including reduction in opioid and cocaine use and increased retention in care. Conclusion Co-locating HCV treatment with existing OUD treatment is feasible, effective, and demonstrates positive outcomes for the treatment of both conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phyllis Losikoff
- CleanSlate Outpatient Addiction Medicine, New Bedford, MA, United States
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Jordon D. Bosse
- School of Nursing, Bouvè College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Stephen A. Martin
- Barre Family Health Center, Barre, MA, United States
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Amanda Wilson
- Addiction Research and Education Foundation, Gig Harbor, WA, United States
| | - Lisa M. Chiodo
- Addiction Research and Education Foundation, Gig Harbor, WA, United States
- Elaine Marieb College of Nursing, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
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13
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Evon DM, Hurt CB, Carpenter DM, Rhea SK, Hennessy CM, Zule WA. Substance Use Disorder Treatment Providers' Knowledge and Opinions Toward Testing and Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C in Rural North Carolina. RURAL MENTAL HEALTH 2022; 46:162-173. [PMID: 35967261 PMCID: PMC9371459 DOI: 10.1037/rmh0000200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Poor access to care has made western North Carolina vulnerable to an outbreak of hepatitis C viral infection (HCV), particularly among persons who inject drugs (PWID). As substance use disorder (SUD) treatment providers could potentially improve linkage to HCV testing and treatment, we sought to understand SUD providers, clinic and client characteristics; referral patterns; HCV knowledge; willingness to participate in additional trainings; and local linkage-to-care pathways for treatment of substance use and HCV. Online survey data were collected from 78 SUD providers serving PWID in eight western rural North Carolina counties. Providers' attitudes toward working with HCV+ clients were very positive. One-third of providers reported a low fund of knowledge regarding HCV, HCV treatment, and financial assistance opportunities. Non-prescribing providers rarely initiated discussions about HCV testing/treatment, but were receptive to training. Respondents indicated that HCV testing and treatment were best delivered at local health departments or primary care clinics but were open to other venues where PWID access care. The vast majority of prescribing and non-prescribing providers expressed interest in obtaining training in HCV treatments, how to obtain HCV medications and topics on advanced liver disease. Data from prescribing and non-prescribing SUD providers suggest opportunities to develop or expand integrated care models for HCV testing/treatment in PWID in rural Appalachian North Carolina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna M. Evon
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Christopher B. Hurt
- Institute for Global Health & Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Delesha M. Carpenter
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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14
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Pharmacist-led drug therapy management for Hepatitis C at a federally qualified healthcare center. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2022; 62:1596-1605. [DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2022.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Corcorran MA, Stewart J, Lan K, Gupta A, Glick SN, Seshadri C, Koomalsingh KJ, Gibbons EF, Harrington RD, Dhanireddy S, Kim HN. Correlates of 90-day Mortality Among People Who Do and Do Not Inject Drugs with Infective Endocarditis in Seattle, Washington. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac150. [PMID: 35493129 PMCID: PMC9045945 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Infective endocarditis (IE) remains highly morbid, but few studies have evaluated factors associated with IE mortality. We examined correlates of 90-day mortality among people who inject drugs (PWID) and people who do not inject drugs (non-PWID). Methods We queried the electronic medical record for cases of IE among adults ≥18 years of age at 2 academic medical centers in Seattle, Washington, from 1 January 2014 to 31 July 2019. Cases were reviewed to confirm a diagnosis of IE and drug use status. Deaths were confirmed through the Washington State death index. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize IE in PWID and non-PWID. Kaplan-Meier log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess correlates of 90-day mortality. Results We identified 507 patients with IE, 213 (42%) of whom were PWID. Sixteen percent of patients died within 90 days of admission, including 14% of PWID and 17% of non-PWID (P = .50). In a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model, injection drug use was associated with a higher mortality within the first 14 days of admission (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.33 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.16–4.65], P = .02); however, there was no association between injection drug use and mortality between 15 and 90 days of admission (aHR, 0.63 [95% CI, .31–1.30], P = .21). Conclusions Overall 90-day mortality did not differ between PWID and non-PWID with IE, although PWID experienced a higher risk of death within 14 days of admission. These findings suggest that early IE diagnosis and treatment among PWID is critical to improving outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jenell Stewart
- Department of Medicine University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kristine Lan
- Department of Medicine University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ayushi Gupta
- Department of Medicine University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sara N Glick
- Department of Medicine University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- HIV/STD Program, Public Health – Seattle & King County, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Chetan Seshadri
- Department of Medicine University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Edward F Gibbons
- Department of Medicine University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - H Nina Kim
- Department of Medicine University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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16
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Mafirakureva N, Stone J, Fraser H, Nzomukunda Y, Maina A, Thiong’o AW, Kizito KW, Mucara EWK, Diaz CIG, Musyoki H, Mundia B, Cherutich P, Nyakowa M, Lizcano J, Chhun N, Kurth A, Akiyama MJ, Waruiru W, Bhattacharjee P, Cleland C, Donchuk D, Luhmann N, Loarec A, Maman D, Walker J, Vickerman P. An intensive model of care for hepatitis C virus screening and treatment with direct-acting antivirals in people who inject drugs in Nairobi, Kenya: a model-based cost-effectiveness analysis. Addiction 2022; 117:411-424. [PMID: 34184794 PMCID: PMC8737065 DOI: 10.1111/add.15630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment is essential for eliminating HCV in people who inject drugs (PWID), but has limited coverage in resource-limited settings. We measured the cost-effectiveness of a pilot HCV screening and treatment intervention using directly observed therapy among PWID attending harm reduction services in Nairobi, Kenya. DESIGN We utilized an existing model of HIV and HCV transmission among current and former PWID in Nairobi to estimate the cost-effectiveness of screening and treatment for HCV, including prevention benefits versus no screening and treatment. The cure rate of treatment and costs for screening and treatment were estimated from intervention data, while other model parameters were derived from literature. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated over a life-time horizon from the health-care provider's perspective. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. SETTING Nairobi, Kenya. POPULATION PWID. MEASUREMENTS Treatment costs, incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (cost per disability-adjusted life year averted). FINDINGS The cost per disability-adjusted life-year averted for the intervention was $975, with 92.1% of the probabilistic sensitivity analyses simulations falling below the per capita gross domestic product for Kenya ($1509; commonly used as a suitable threshold for determining whether an intervention is cost-effective). However, the intervention was not cost-effective at the opportunity cost-based cost-effectiveness threshold of $647 per disability-adjusted life-year averted. Sensitivity analyses showed that the intervention could provide more value for money by including modelled estimates for HCV disease care costs, assuming lower drug prices ($75 instead of $728 per course) and excluding directly-observed therapy costs. CONCLUSIONS The current strategy of screening and treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) among people who inject drugs in Nairobi is likely to be highly cost-effective with currently available cheaper drug prices, if directly-observed therapy is not used and HCV disease care costs are accounted for.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jack Stone
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Hannah Fraser
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Aron Maina
- Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | | | | | - Helgar Musyoki
- National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP), Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Mercy Nyakowa
- Ministry of Health—Republic of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | | | - Matthew J. Akiyama
- Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wanjiru Waruiru
- University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Josephine Walker
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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17
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Moran GJ, Chitra S, McGovern PC. Efficacy and Safety of Omadacycline Versus Linezolid in Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections in Persons Who Inject Drugs. Infect Dis Ther 2022; 11:517-531. [PMID: 35015255 PMCID: PMC8847501 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-021-00587-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) represent one of the most common reasons for emergency department visits, and are frequent complications of intravenous drug use in persons who inject drugs (PWID). This study examined the efficacy and safety of omadacycline, versus linezolid, in PWID and persons who do not inject drugs, in the Phase 3 Omadacycline in Acute Skin and Skin Structure Infection (OASIS-1, OASIS-2) studies. Methods Eligible participants were aged ≥ 18 years with qualifying skin infections: wound infection, cellulitis, erysipelas, or major abscess. The primary efficacy endpoint was early clinical response (ECR) in the modified intent-to-treat (mITT) population, defined as survival with ≥ 20% reduction in lesion size at 48–72 h after the first dose of omadacycline or linezolid. Key secondary endpoints included investigator-assessed clinical response at the post-treatment evaluation (PTE) in the mITT and clinical per-protocol populations, and clinical response at PTE in the micro-mITT population. Safety was assessed based on adverse events (AEs) and standard clinical laboratory tests. Efficacy endpoints of clinical response at ECR and PTE were analyzed for the mITT and clinically evaluable (CE) PTE populations. Results In total, 1380 patients (822 PWID, 558 non-PWID) were included in this secondary analysis. Wound infections were reported more frequently in the PWID subgroup (72.8%) at baseline; cellulitis or erysipelas (43.9%) and major abscess (37.4%) were the most frequently reported baseline infections in the non-PWID subgroup. Clinical success rates at ECR and PTE in the mITT population, and at PTE in the CE population, were high for patients receiving omadacycline or linezolid. Severe or serious treatment-emergent AEs (TEAEs), and TEAEs leading to discontinuation, were infrequent. Conclusion This subgroup analysis showed that omadacycline was effective and well tolerated, regardless of PWID status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory J Moran
- Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, 14445 Olive View Dr, Sylmar, CA, 91342, USA.
| | - Surya Chitra
- Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Inc., King of Prussia, PA, USA
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18
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Adje YH, Brooks KM, Castillo-Mancilla JR, Wyles DL, Anderson PL, Kiser JJ. The use of technology-based adherence monitoring in the treatment of hepatitis C virus. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2022; 9:20499361221095664. [PMID: 35591885 PMCID: PMC9112320 DOI: 10.1177/20499361221095664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) achieve high hepatitis C virus (HCV) cure rates
and are forgiving to missed doses, but adherence–efficacy relationships have not
been well defined. Traditional adherence measures (e.g. pill counts, self-report
and pharmacy refills) over-estimate medication adherence. Newer technology-based
tools have been used to provide more objective adherence data. Herein,
electronic medication diaries (e-diaries), medication events monitoring system
(MEMS®) caps, electronic blister packs, electronic pill boxes,
video-based directly observed therapy (vDOT), artificial intelligence platforms
(AIPs), and ingestible sensor systems are described, and compared based on
existing studies using DAA. Percent adherence, predictors of adherence, and HCV
cure rates utilizing these technologies are included. DAA adherence with
e-diaries was 95–96%, MEMS® caps and ingestible biosensors were
between 95% and 97%, blister pack weekly dosing ranged 73–98%, and daily dosing
73–94%, whereas electronic pill boxes ranged between 39% and 89%, vDOT was 98%
and AIP 91–96%. Despite a wide range of adherence, high sustained virologic
response (SVR) rates (86–100%) were observed across all studies utilizing these
different technology-based tools. Current data support the forgiveness of DAA
therapies to missed doses using tools that provide more quantitative adherence
measures compared with self-report and provide insight on adherence–efficacy
relationships for contemporary DAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeba H Adje
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kristina M Brooks
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jose R Castillo-Mancilla
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - David L Wyles
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Peter L Anderson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jennifer J Kiser
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12850 E. Montview Blvd., V20-C238, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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Community pharmacist engagement in HIV and HCV prevention: Current practices and potential for service uptake. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2021; 4:100088. [PMID: 35479840 PMCID: PMC9029914 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2021.100088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Objective Methods Results Conclusions
Pharmacists are largely willing to help people who need HIV/HCV prevention services. Perception of HIV/HCV prevention fit with pharmacist professional identity varies. Cognitive HIV/HCV prevention services are preferred over hands-on clinical services. Pharmacists often engage in gatekeeping to limit sales of non-prescription syringes. Willingness to sell syringes potentially hinges on minimal contact with requestors.
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Felsher M, Tobin KE, Sulkowski M, Latkin C, Falade-Nwulia O. HCV communication within ego-centric networks of men and women who inject drugs. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 229:109157. [PMID: 34740020 PMCID: PMC8665146 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.109157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Leveraging interpersonal communication among social networks of people who inject drugs (PWID) may be an innovative strategy to increase awareness and access to hepatitis C (HCV) care. However, little is known about HCV communication patterns among PWID and if these patterns vary by gender. METHODS Egocentric network data collected at baseline from HCV-infected PWID enrolled in a randomized HCV treatment intervention trial in Baltimore, Maryland were analyzed. Logistic generalized estimating models were conducted to identify predictors of HCV communication. RESULTS Among 227 PWID, the mean age was 43.8 (SD=10.3), 28.2% (n = 64) were women and 71.8% (n = 163) were men. Female participants reported 516 dyadic relationships and male participants 1139 dyadic relationships. While there were significant gender differences based on socio-demographics, risk behavior and network composition, there were few differences in HCV communication patterns. Both men and women had increased odds of HCV communication with alters who are currently enrolled in drug treatment (AOR 1.7, 95% CI: 1.3-2.4), alters with whom participants share drug preparation equipment (AOR 3.0, 95% CI: 1.9-4.6), alters who are sex partners compared to kin (AOR 3.0; 95% CI: 1.9-4.9) and alters with whom respondents have increased trust (AOR 1.1; 95% CI: 1.11.2) and daily/weekly interactions (AOR 1.7; 95% CI 1.3-2.1). CONCLUSION PWID engaged with trusted alters about HCV disclosure and information, highlighting the important role network interventions could play in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Felsher
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, 5200 Eastern Avenue, MFL Center Tower, Suite 381, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| | - Karin E Tobin
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Mark Sulkowski
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, 5200 Eastern Avenue, MFL Center Tower, Suite 381, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Carl Latkin
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Oluwaseun Falade-Nwulia
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, 5200 Eastern Avenue, MFL Center Tower, Suite 381, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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21
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Promoting treatment for hepatitis C in people who inject drugs: A review of the barriers and opportunities. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract 2021; 32:563-568. [PMID: 31425374 DOI: 10.1097/jxx.0000000000000269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWIDs) comprise a significant amount of the population who are also positive for hepatitis C virus (HCV) around the world. Even though there is evidence that patients who currently inject drugs do not display altered treatment adherence or medication effectiveness, health care providers are still hesitant to treat this patient population based on perceived threats and barriers. OBJECTIVES This literature review informs of the perceived barriers associated with PWID in receiving HCV treatment and supports recommendations to address these barriers. DATA SOURCES For this review, eight scholarly articles rated levels I A through II B using John Hopkins Evidence-Based Practicing ratings consisting of randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses were selected. Both qualitative and quantitative data contributed to identifying perceived barriers and suggested course of action that should be taken to increase HCV treatment uptake among PWID. CONCLUSIONS The three main perceived barriers are evidence of barriers to treatment in the PWID populations and include increased risk of reinfection, low adherence to treatment, and decreased response to treatment. Removal of these barriers by increasing education about HCV disease and treatment options to both patients and health care workers and changing current policy in health care settings to provide enhanced access to HCV treatment for PWID can promote an opportunity for successful treatment of these patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE There is a significant need for HCV treatment among PWID. Opportunities for successful treatment exist and should be adopted.
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22
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Talal AH, Jaanimägi U, Davis K, Bailey J, Bauer BM, Dharia A, George S, McLeod A, Morton K, Nugent A, Zeremski M, Dinani A, Des Jarlais DC, Perumalswami PV, Tobin JN, Dickerson SS. Facilitating engagement of persons with opioid use disorder in treatment for hepatitis C virus infection via telemedicine: Stories of onsite case managers. J Subst Abuse Treat 2021; 127:108421. [PMID: 34134875 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has high prevalence and incidence in persons with opioid use disorder (PWOUD), their engagement in HCV care has been limited due to a variety of factors. In an ongoing multisite study at 12 opioid treatment programs (OTPs) throughout New York State (NYS), we have been evaluating telemedicine accompanied by onsite administration of direct acting antiviral (DAA) medications compared with usual care including offsite referral to a liver specialist for HCV management. Each site has a case manager (CM) who is responsible for all study-related activities including participant recruitment, facilitating telemedicine interactions, retention in care, and data collection. Our overall objective is to analyze CM experiences of clients' stories and events to understand how the telemedicine model facilitates HCV treatment. Hermeneutic phenomenology was used to interpret and to explicate common meanings and shared practices of the phenomena of case management, and a focus group with CMs was conducted to reinforce and expand on key themes identified from the CMs' stories. We identified three themes: (1) building trust, (2) identification of multiple competing priorities, and (3) development of personalized care approaches. Our results illustrate that trust is a fundamental pillar on which the telemedicine system can be based. Participants' experiences at the OTP can reinforce trust. Understanding the specific competing priorities and routinizing dedicated personalized approaches to overcome them are key to increasing participation in HCV care among PWOUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H Talal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, United States of America.
| | - Urmo Jaanimägi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, United States of America
| | - Kathleen Davis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Jordan Bailey
- START Treatment & Recovery Centers, Brooklyn, NY, United States of America
| | - Barbara M Bauer
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, United States of America
| | - Arpan Dharia
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, United States of America
| | - Saliyah George
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Anthony McLeod
- START Treatment & Recovery Centers, Brooklyn, NY, United States of America
| | - Karen Morton
- Clinical Directors Network (CDN), New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Ann Nugent
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Marija Zeremski
- Clinical Directors Network (CDN), New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Amreen Dinani
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Don C Des Jarlais
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Ponni V Perumalswami
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Jonathan N Tobin
- Clinical Directors Network (CDN), New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Suzanne S Dickerson
- School of Nursing, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, United States of America
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23
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Trooskin SB, Dore G, Kostman J. We Must Do Better: Addressing HCV Treatment Barriers in Persons Who Inject Drugs in the United States. J Infect Dis 2021; 222:S773-S781. [PMID: 33245349 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The opioid epidemic in the United States, along with a lack of adequate harm reduction services, has contributed to a sharp rise in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. Despite considerable evidence of the effectiveness of HCV treatment in people who inject drugs (PWID), and recommendations from clinical guidelines to prioritize treatment in PWID, there are multiple barriers to broad uptake of HCV treatment. These barriers exist at the systems level, as well as at the level of medical providers and patients. Interventions to remove treatment barriers in the United States include harm reduction services, simplifying HCV testing algorithms, improved linkage to HCV care services, and application of new treatment models including colocating services at substance use disorder treatment programs. By following the lead of other countries who have addressed the barriers to HCV treatment, the United States has opportunities to do better in addressing the consequences of the opioid epidemic, including chronic HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey B Trooskin
- Philadelphia FIGHT Community Health Centers, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gregory Dore
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jay Kostman
- Philadelphia FIGHT Community Health Centers, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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24
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Age and gender-specific hepatitis C continuum of care and predictors of direct acting antiviral treatment among persons who inject drugs in Seattle, Washington. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 220:108525. [PMID: 33461152 PMCID: PMC7938869 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Direct acting antivirals (DAAs) have revolutionized management of hepatitis C virus (HCV), but treatment uptake remains low among persons who inject drugs (PWID). We report the continuum of care for HCV and describe predictors of treatment with DAAs among PWID in Seattle. METHODS We analyzed data from the 2018 Seattle area National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) survey of PWID. Persons ≥18 years of age who injected drugs in the past year and completed the core NHBS survey, a local survey supplement, and rapid HCV antibody testing were included. Among those who screened HCV antibody positive, we calculated proportions and 95 % confidence intervals for self-reported steps along the HCV care continuum. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate the adjusted odds (AOR) of having received DAA therapy. RESULTS The sample included 533 PWID, 376 (71 %) of whom tested positive for antibodies to HCV. Among those who were HCV antibody positive, 94 % reported any prior HCV test, 81 % reported a prior confirmatory test, and 68 % reported a prior HCV diagnosis. Of those diagnosed, 26 % had undergone treatment and 18 % had been cured. In a multivariate model, being one year older (AOR 1.05 per year, 1.01-1.08) was predictive of DAA treatment, while homelessness (AOR 0.39, 0.19-0.80) and female gender (AOR 0.36, 0.16-0.78) were associated with a lower odds of DAA therapy. CONCLUSIONS Despite widespread HCV testing among PWID in Seattle, treatment uptake remains low in the DAA era. In particular, treatment of women, younger adults and persons living homeless is lagging behind.
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25
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Morris L, Selvey L, Williams O, Gilks C, Smirnov A. Reasons for Not Seeking Hepatitis C Treatment among People Who Inject Drugs. Subst Use Misuse 2021; 56:175-184. [PMID: 33208025 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2020.1846198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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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26
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Robaeys G, Bielen R. Management of Hepatitis C Viral Infection in People Who Inject Drugs. HEPATITIS C: CARE AND TREATMENT 2021:191-211. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-67762-6_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2025]
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27
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Motavalli D, Taylor JL, Childs E, Valente PK, Salhaney P, Olson J, Biancarelli DL, Edeza A, Earlywine JJ, Marshall BDL, Drainoni ML, Mimiaga MJ, Biello KB, Bazzi AR. "Health Is on the Back Burner:" Multilevel Barriers and Facilitators to Primary Care Among People Who Inject Drugs. J Gen Intern Med 2021; 36:129-137. [PMID: 32918199 PMCID: PMC7858998 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-020-06201-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The estimated 2.2 million people who inject drugs (PWID) in the USA experience significant gaps in preventive healthcare and a high burden of infectious, psychiatric, and other chronic diseases. Many PWID rely on emergency medical services, which are costly and not designed to deliver preventive services, manage chronic conditions, or address social needs. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to explore barriers and facilitators to primary care utilization from the perspectives of PWID in New England, a region highly affected by the overdose crisis. DESIGN Participants completed semi-structured qualitative interviews exploring substance use and healthcare utilization patterns. PARTICIPANTS We recruited 78 PWID through community-based organizations (e.g., syringe service programs) in 16 urban and non-urban communities throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. APPROACH Thematic analysis identified barriers and facilitators to primary care utilization at the individual, interpersonal, and systemic levels. KEY RESULTS Among 78 PWID, 48 described recent primary care experiences; 33 had positive experiences and 15 described negative experiences involving discrimination or mistrust. Individual-level barriers to primary care utilization included perceived lack of need and competing priorities (e.g., avoiding opioid withdrawal, securing shelter beds). Interpersonal-level barriers included stigma and perceived low quality of care for PWID. Systemic-level barriers included difficulty navigating healthcare systems, inadequate transportation, long wait times, and frequent provider turnover. Participants with positive primary care experiences explained how appointment reminders, flexible hours, addiction medicine-trained providers, case management services, and transportation support facilitated primary care utilization and satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS Findings regarding the multilevel barriers and facilitators to accessing primary care among PWID identify potential targets for programmatic interventions to improve primary care utilization in this population. Based on these findings, we make recommendations for improving the engagement of PWID in primary care as a means to advance individual and public health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica L Taylor
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ellen Childs
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pablo K Valente
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Peter Salhaney
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jennifer Olson
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Dea L Biancarelli
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alberto Edeza
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Joel J Earlywine
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brandon D L Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Mari-Lynn Drainoni
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Evans Center for Implementation and Improvement Sciences, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, ENRM VA Hospital, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Matthew J Mimiaga
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University Alpert Medical School, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Katie B Biello
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Angela R Bazzi
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
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28
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Falade-Nwulia O, Gicquelais RE, Astemborski J, McCormick SD, Kirk G, Sulkowski M, Thomas DL, Mehta SH. Hepatitis C treatment uptake among people who inject drugs in the oral direct-acting antiviral era. Liver Int 2020; 40:2407-2416. [PMID: 32770638 PMCID: PMC7706292 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased uptake of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment among people who inject drugs (PWID) will be critical to achieve HCV elimination goals. There are limited data on HCV treatment uptake among PWID recruited from community-based settings in the HCV direct-acting antiviral (DAA) era. METHODS We analysed data from PWID with HCV newly recruited into the Baltimore, Maryland-based AIDS Linked to the IntraVenous Experience (ALIVE) cohort between 2015 and 2018. We characterized the HCV care continuum and evaluated factors associated with HCV treatment uptake. RESULTS Of the 418 PWID with HCV, the median age was 49 years and most (88%) reported recent injection drug use (IDU). Overall, 23% had ever been evaluated by a provider for HCV treatment, 17% ever initiated DAA treatment and 13% were cured of HCV infection. Treatment uptake approximately doubled between 2015 and 2018 (13% to 26%, P = .01). In multivariable analyses, HIV infection (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] 2.5 [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.3, 4.8]), current employment (aOR 4.1 [CI 1.2, 14.4]), having a primary care provider (aOR 4.3 [CI 1.2, 14.9) and longer duration of IDU (aOR 1.3 [CI 1.1, 1.6]) were positively associated with HCV treatment. PWID with a lower annual income (≤$5000) were less likely to have initiated HCV treatment (aOR 0.5 [CI 0.3, 0.98]). CONCLUSIONS Although HCV treatment uptake among PWID in this community-based setting in the DAA era remains suboptimal, it is encouraging that treatment uptake has increased in recent years. Innovative strategies are needed to reach all PWID infected with HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel E. Gicquelais
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jacquie Astemborski
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sean D. McCormick
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Greg Kirk
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mark Sulkowski
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - David L. Thomas
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Shruti H. Mehta
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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29
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Barror S, Avramovic G, Oprea C, Surey J, Story A, Macías J, Cullen W, Crowley D, Horan A, Naughton AM, Iglesias M, Ianache I, Lazar S, Popa I, McHugh T, Menezes D, Tinago W, Lambert JS. HepCare Europe: a service innovation project. HepCheck: enhancing HCV identification and linkage to care for vulnerable populations through intensified outreach screening. A prospective multisite feasibility study. J Antimicrob Chemother 2020; 74:v39-v46. [PMID: 31782499 PMCID: PMC6883392 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkz455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Hepatitis C is one of the main causes of chronic liver diseases worldwide. One of the major barriers to effecting EU- and WHO-mandated HCV elimination by 2030 is underdiagnosis. Community-based screening strategies have been identified as important components of HCV models of care. HepCheck Europe is a large-scale intensified screening initiative aimed at enhancing identification of HCV infection among vulnerable populations and linkage to care. Methods Research teams across four European countries were engaged in the study and rolled out screening to high-risk populations in community addiction, homeless and prison services. Screening was offered to 2822 individuals and included a self-administered questionnaire, HCV antibody and RNA testing, liver fibrosis assessment and referral to specialist services. Results There was a 74% (n=2079) uptake of screening. The majority (85.8%, n=1783) were male. In total 44.6% (n=927) of the sample reported ever injecting drugs, 38.4% (n=799) reported ever being homeless and 27.9% (n=581) were prisoners. In total 397 (19%) active HCV infections were identified and 136 (7% of total sample and 34% of identified active infections) were new cases. Of those identified with active HCV infection, 80% were linked to care, which included liver fibrosis assessment and referral to specialist services. Conclusions HepCheck’s screening and linkage to care is a clear strategy for reaching high-risk populations, including those at highest risk of transmission who are not accessing any type of care in the community. Elimination of HCV in the EU will only be achieved by such innovative, patient-centred approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Barror
- Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gordana Avramovic
- Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cristiana Oprea
- Victor Babes Clinical Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | | | - Juan Macías
- Hospital Universitario de Valme, Seville, Spain
| | - Walter Cullen
- Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Des Crowley
- HSE, Cork, Ireland.,Irish Prison Service, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ionut Popa
- University College London Hospital, London, UK
| | - Tina McHugh
- Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | - John S Lambert
- Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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30
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Falade-Nwulia O, Ward KM, McCormick S, Mehta SH, Pitts SR, Katz S, Chander G, Thomas DL, Sulkowski M, Latkin CA. Network-based recruitment of people who inject drugs for hepatitis C testing and linkage to care. J Viral Hepat 2020; 27:663-670. [PMID: 32045086 PMCID: PMC7299737 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although oral direct-acting agent (DAA) therapies have the potential to reduce the burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, treatment uptake remains low, particularly among people who inject drugs (PWID). This study examined the feasibility of an innovative peer-based recruitment strategy to engage PWID in HCV testing and treatment. We interviewed an initial set of HCV antibody-positive PWID as 'primary indexes' to gather demographic, drug use, health information and drug network characteristics. Primary indexes were then briefly educated on HCV and its treatment and encouraged to recruit their injection drug 'network members' for HCV testing and linkage to care. Eligible network members were enrolled as 'secondary indexes' and completed the same index study procedures. In sum, 17 of 36 primary indexes initiated the recruitment of 64 network members who were HCV antibody positive and eligible to become indexes. In multivariable analysis, successful recruitment of at least one network member was positively associated with prior HCV treatment (OR 2.80; CI [1.01, 7.72]), daily or more injection drug use (OR 2.38; CI [1.04, 5.47]), and a higher number of injection drug network members (OR 1.20; CI [1.01, 1.42]). Among the 69 participants with chronic HCV not previously linked to HCV care at enrolment, 91% (n = 63) completed a linkage to HCV care appointment, 45% (n = 31) scheduled an appointment with an HCV provider, and 20% (n = 14) initiated HCV therapy. These findings suggest a potential benefit for peer-driven, network-based interventions focused on HCV treatment-experienced PWID as a mechanism to increase HCV linkage to care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sean McCormick
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shruti H. Mehta
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Stephanie Katz
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - David L. Thomas
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mark Sulkowski
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carl A. Latkin
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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31
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Versfeld A, McBride A, Scheibe A, Spearman CW. Motivations, facilitators and barriers to accessing hepatitis C treatment among people who inject drugs in two South African cities. Harm Reduct J 2020; 17:39. [PMID: 32522210 PMCID: PMC7288602 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-020-00382-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Treatment of hepatitis C (HCV) among people who inject drugs (PWID) is a critical component of efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis. A recent study found high HCV prevalence among PWID in two cities, Pretoria (84%) and Cape Town (44%). Very few (< 5%) HCV-infected individuals attended follow-up appointments. This sub-study explores differences between stated desire for cure and appointment attendance in light of perceived facilitators and barriers to HCV treatment and care access among PWID. Method Two sets of semi-structured interviews were implemented in a group of HCV-infected participants opportunistically sampled and recruited at harm reduction service sites. Initial interviews, conducted before the planned hospital appointment date, asked participants (N = 17, 9 in Pretoria and 8 in Cape Town) about past experiences of healthcare provision, plans to attend their referral appointment and perceived barriers and facilitators to seeking hepatitis treatment. Second interviews (n = 9, 4 in Pretoria, 5 in Cape Town), conducted after the planned referral appointment date, asked about appointment attendance and treatment experience. Trained social scientists with experience with PWID conducted the interviews which were recorded in detailed written notes. Data was thematically analysed in NVivo 11. Results Despite routine experiences of being stigmatised by the healthcare system in the past, most participants (n = 16, 94%) indicated a desire to attend their appointments. Attendance motivators included the desire to be cured, fear of dying and the wish to assist the research project. Perceived barriers to appointment attendance included fear of again experiencing stigmatisation and concerns about waiting periods and drug withdrawal. Perceived facilitators included the knowledge they would be treated quickly, and with respect and access to opioid substitution therapy. In the end, very few participants (n = 5) went to their appointment. Actual barriers to attendance included lack of finances, lack of urgency and forgetting and fatalism about dying. Conclusions South Africa can learn from other countries implementing HCV treatment for PWID. Successful linkage to care will require accessible, sensitive services where waiting time is limited. Psychosocial support prior to initiating referrals that focuses on building and maintaining a sense of self-worth and emphasising that delayed treatment hampers health outcomes is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Versfeld
- Department of Anthropology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. .,TB HIV Care, 11 Adderley Street, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa.
| | - Angela McBride
- TB HIV Care, 11 Adderley Street, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa.,South African Network of People Who Use Drugs, 34 Constantia Road, Wynberg, 7800, South Africa
| | - Andrew Scheibe
- TB HIV Care, 11 Adderley Street, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa.,Department of Family Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - C Wendy Spearman
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
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Fisher KA, Phillippi S, Robinson WT. Resilience, Distress, and Dependence Influence Injection Related Risk among People Who Inject Drugs. Int J Ment Health Addict 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11469-018-9955-z] [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: 02/07/2023] Open
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Phillips C, Schulkind J, O'Sullivan M, Edelman N, Smith HE, Verma S, Jones CJ. Improving access to care for people who inject drugs: Qualitative evaluation of project ITTREAT-An integrated community hepatitis C service. J Viral Hepat 2020; 27:176-187. [PMID: 31566851 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Achieving hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination by 2030 requires an increased linkage to care for people who inject drugs (PWID). Project ITTREAT was established to mitigate barriers to HCV care by providing an integrated service within a local drug and alcohol treatment centre. This study aimed to explore the experiences of clients and staff involved in Project ITTREAT and assess the facilitators and barriers to a community-based HCV service. Between October 2014 and April 2016, drug and alcohol treatment attendees were interviewed using one-to-one semi-structured interviews. Drug and alcohol treatment staff took part in focus groups. All data were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis. Fifteen drug and alcohol treatment attendees with current/previous HCV infection were interviewed, and 15 staff members contributed across two focus groups. Drug and alcohol treatment staff and attendees reported that Project ITTREAT facilitated access to HCV care by mitigating previous negative hospital-based experiences. Other key facilitators were positive narratives around HCV care, and drug and alcohol treatment attendees being well engaged in their drug/alcohol recovery. Barriers included a lack of stability in drug and alcohol treatment attendees, negative discourse around testing/treatment and stigma associated with attending the drug and alcohol treatment to access HCV treatment in some who had successfully achieved drug rehabilitation. Our findings indicate the positive impact of an integrated and personalized community-based service delivered by a dedicated hepatitis nurse. This played a crucial role in reducing barriers to HCV care for PWID. Our work also highlights areas for future investment including non-DAT-based community services and increasing awareness of new treatments amongst this cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Phillips
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Brighton and Sussex University Hospital NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Jasmine Schulkind
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Margaret O'Sullivan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Brighton and Sussex University Hospital NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Natalie Edelman
- Department of Primary Care & Public Health, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Helen E Smith
- Department of Primary Care & Public Health, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK.,Family Medicine and Primary Care, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sumita Verma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Brighton and Sussex University Hospital NHS Trust, Brighton, UK.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
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Barbosa C, Fraser H, Hoerger TJ, Leib A, Havens JR, Young A, Kral A, Page K, Evans J, Zibbell J, Hariri S, Vellozzi C, Nerlander L, Ward JW, Vickerman P. Cost-effectiveness of scaling-up HCV prevention and treatment in the United States for people who inject drugs. Addiction 2019; 114:2267-2278. [PMID: 31307116 PMCID: PMC7751348 DOI: 10.1111/add.14731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To examine the cost-effectiveness of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment of people who inject drugs (PWID), combined with medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and syringe-service programs (SSP), to tackle the increasing HCV epidemic in the United States. DESIGN HCV transmission and disease progression models with cost-effectiveness analysis using a health-care perspective. SETTING Rural Perry County, KY (PC) and urban San Francisco, CA (SF), USA. Compared with PC, SF has a greater proportion of PWID with access to MAT or SSP. HCV treatment of PWID is negligible in both settings. PARTICIPANTS PWID data were collected between 1998 and 2015 from Social Networks Among Appalachian People, U Find Out, Urban Health Study and National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System studies. INTERVENTIONS AND COMPARATOR Three intervention scenarios modeled: baseline-existing SSP and MAT coverage with HCV screening and treatment with direct-acting antiviral for ex-injectors only as per standard of care; intervention 1-scale-up of SSP and MAT without changes to treatment; and intervention 2-scale-up as intervention 1 combined with HCV screening and treatment for current PWID. MEASUREMENTS Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) and uncertainty using cost-effectiveness acceptability curves. Benefits were measured in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). FINDINGS For both settings, intervention 2 is preferred to intervention 1 and the appropriate comparator for intervention 2 is the baseline scenario. Relative to baseline, for PC intervention 2 averts 1852 more HCV infections, increases QALYS by 3095, costs $21.6 million more and has an ICER of $6975/QALY. For SF, intervention 2 averts 36 473 more HCV infections, increases QALYs by 7893, costs $872 million more and has an ICER of $11 044/QALY. The cost-effectiveness of intervention 2 was robust to several sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSIONS Hepatitis C screening and treatment for people who inject drugs, combined with medication-assisted treatment and syringe-service programs, is a cost-effective strategy for reducing hepatitis C burden in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alyssa Leib
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colorado, Denver, USA
| | | | - April Young
- University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Alex Kral
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Kimberly Page
- University of New Mexico, Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | | | - Jon Zibbell
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Susan Hariri
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Lina Nerlander
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - John W. Ward
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Avramovic G, Oprea C, Surey J, Story A, Macías J, Cullen W, Iglesias M, Mc Hugh T, Crowley D, Naughton AM, Horan A, Ianache I, Lazar S, Popa I, Menezes D, Lambert JS. HepCare Europe-A service innovation project. HepCheck: Characteristics of the patient population with active infection as defined by HCV RNA. Int J Infect Dis 2019; 91:246-251. [PMID: 31785401 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2019.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a main cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and is consistently under-diagnosed. Community-based screening initiatives, such as HepCheck, have been identified as important components of HCV care. HepCheck focuses on screening and identifying HCV RNA-positive cases in high-risk populations and linking them to care as part of a larger European project to improve HCV care (HepCare). METHODS HCV testing with a self-administered questionnaire was offered to 2822 individuals. RESULTS There were 2079 patients screened. Overall, 397 (19%) of the total screened cohort were identified as having active HCV infections as measured by HCV RNA PCR. The patients were mostly male (84%), white (88%), and had a history of injecting drug use (IDU) (86%), homelessness (58%), and tattooing (42%). There were 136 new cases (7% of the total sample and 34% of identified active infections). Romania had the highest proportion of newly identified cases with 87%, then Ireland with 60%, and Spain with 43%; the UK had the lowest proportion of new cases at 10%. CONCLUSIONS For those lost to follow-up, a major strategy is re-engagement. For those newly diagnosed, the 'seek and treat' approach is a key strategy. Thus, different priorities are defined for different countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordana Avramovic
- Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Ireland; University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cristiana Oprea
- Victor Babes Clinical Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Romania
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Tina Mc Hugh
- Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Ireland
| | | | | | | | - Irina Ianache
- Victor Babes Clinical Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Romania
| | - Stefan Lazar
- Victor Babes Clinical Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Romania
| | - Ionut Popa
- Victor Babes Clinical Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Romania
| | | | - John S Lambert
- Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Ireland; University College Dublin, Ireland.
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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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Lazarus JV, Pericàs JM, Picchio C, Cernosa J, Hoekstra M, Luhmann N, Maticic M, Read P, Robinson EM, Dillon JF. We know DAAs work, so now what? Simplifying models of care to enhance the hepatitis C cascade. J Intern Med 2019; 286:503-525. [PMID: 31472002 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Globally, some 71 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Marginalized populations, particularly people who inject drugs (PWID), have low testing, linkage to care and treatment rates for HCV. Several models of care (MoCs) and service delivery interventions have the potential to improve outcomes across the HCV cascade of care, but much of the relevant research was carried out when interferon-based treatment was the standard of care. Often it was not practical to scale-up these earlier models and interventions because the clinical care needs of patients taking interferon-based regimens imposed too much of a financial and human resource burden on health systems. Despite the adoption of highly effective, all-oral direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies in recent years, approaches to HCV testing and treatment have evolved slowly and often remain rooted in earlier paradigms. The effectiveness of DAAs allows for simpler approaches and has encouraged countries where the drugs are widely available to set their sights on the ambitious World Health Organization (WHO) HCV elimination targets. Since a large proportion of chronically HCV-infected people are not currently accessing treatment, there is an urgent need to identify and implement existing simplified MoCs that speak to specific populations' needs. This article aims to: (i) review the evidence on MoCs for HCV; and (ii) distil the findings into recommendations for how stakeholders can simplify the path taken by chronically HCV-infected individuals from testing to cure and subsequent care and monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- J V Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - J M Pericàs
- Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Territorial Direction, Translational Research Group on Infectious Diseases of Lleida (TRIDLE), Biomedical Research Institute Dr Pifarré Foundation, Lleida, Spain
| | - C Picchio
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Cernosa
- Clinic for Infectious Diseases and Febrile Illnesses, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - M Hoekstra
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - N Luhmann
- Médecins du Monde France, Paris, France
| | - M Maticic
- Clinic for Infectious Diseases and Febrile Illnesses, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - P Read
- Kirketon Road Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - E M Robinson
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - J F Dillon
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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Litwin AH, Drolet M, Nwankwo C, Torrens M, Kastelic A, Walcher S, Somaini L, Mulvihill E, Ertl J, Grebely J. Perceived barriers related to testing, management and treatment of HCV infection among physicians prescribing opioid agonist therapy: The C-SCOPE Study. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:1094-1104. [PMID: 31074167 PMCID: PMC6771477 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this analysis was to evaluate perceived barriers related to HCV testing, management and treatment among physicians practicing in clinics offering opioid agonist treatment (OAT). C-SCOPE was a study consisting of a self-administered survey among physicians practicing at clinics providing OAT in Australia, Canada, Europe and the United States between April and May 2017. A 5-point Likert scale (1 = not a barrier, 3 = moderate barrier, 5 = extreme barrier) was used to measure responses to perceived barriers for HCV testing, evaluation and treatment across the domains of the health system, clinic and patient. Among the 203 physicians enrolled (40% USA, 45% Europe, 14% Australia/Canada), 21% were addiction medicine specialists, 29% psychiatrists and 69% were metro/urban. OAT physicians in this study reported poor access to on-site venepuncture (35%), point-of-care HCV testing (16%), and noninvasive liver disease assessment (25%). Only 30% of OAT physicians reported personally treating HCV infection. Major perceived health system barriers to HCV management included the lack of funding for noninvasive liver disease testing, long wait times to see an HCV specialist, lack of funding for new HCV therapies, and reimbursement restrictions based on drug/alcohol use. Major perceived clinic barriers included the lack of peer support programmes and/or HCV case managers to facilitate linkage to care, the need to refer people off-site for noninvasive liver disease staging, the lack of support for on-site phlebotomy and the lack of on-site delivery of HCV therapy. This study highlights several important modifiable barriers to enhance HCV testing, evaluation and treatment among PWID attending OAT clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain H. Litwin
- Department of MedicineUniversity of South Carolina School of Medicine ‐ Greenville and Prisma HealthGreenvilleSouth Carolina,Clemson University School of Health ResearchClemsonSouth Carolina
| | | | | | - Martha Torrens
- Department of PsychiatryInstitut de Neuropsiquiatria i AddiccionsHospital del Mar BarcelonaIMIM (Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mediques)Universitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Andrej Kastelic
- National Centre for the Treatment of Drug Addiction in LjubljanaLjubljanaSlovenia
| | | | - Lorenzo Somaini
- Addiction Treatment Centre ‐ Ser.D ASL BI ‐ Local Health UnitBiellaItaly
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Association between mental health service utilisation and sharing of injection material among people who inject drugs in Montreal, Canada. Addict Behav 2019; 96:175-182. [PMID: 31108263 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-risk injection behaviors are associated with high prevalence of mental health problems among people who inject drugs (PWID). However, whether the use of mental health services is associated with lower risk of sharing injection material remains undetermined. This study aims to examine the association between mental health service utilisation and receptive sharing risk, and determine the potential modifying effect of psychological distress on this association. METHODS Participants answered an interviewer-administered questionnaire at 3-month intervals gathering information on sociodemographic characteristics, substance use and related behaviors, services utilisation and significant mental health markers. Relationship between the use of mental health services and receptive sharing was modeled using the generalized estimating equation (GEE), controlling for age at baseline, gender, and other potential confounders. Psychological distress was estimated using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Effect modification was investigated by adding an interaction term in the univariate GEE analysis. RESULTS 358 participants contributed to 2537 visits (median age 40.3, 82% male). Mental health service utilisation was reported in 631 visits (25%), receptive sharing in 321 visits (13%) and severe psychological distress in 359 visits (14%). In multivariate GEE analyses, a significant association was identified between receptive sharing and the use of mental health services (aOR = 0.69; 95% CI = 0.50-0.94). We found no evidence of effect modification by psychological distress. CONCLUSION Among PWID, mental health service utilisation was associated with lower likelihood of receptive sharing, regardless of level of psychological distress. These findings should be taken into account when designing harm reduction strategies for this population.
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Hochstatter KR, Gustafson DH, Landucci G, Pe-Romashko K, Maus A, Shah DV, Taylor QA, Gill EK, Miller R, Krechel S, Westergaard RP. A Mobile Health Intervention to Improve Hepatitis C Outcomes Among People With Opioid Use Disorder: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2019; 8:e12620. [PMID: 31373273 PMCID: PMC6694728 DOI: 10.2196/12620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background People who inject drugs are at a disproportionate risk for contracting hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, use of HCV prevention and treatment services remains suboptimal among people with substance use disorders due to various health system, societal, and individual barriers. Mobile health applications offer promising strategies to support people in recovery from substance use disorders. We sought to determine whether the Addiction-Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System (A-CHESS), an existing mobile health application for opioid use disorder, could be adapted to improve HCV screening and treatment. Objective The goals of this paper are to describe: (1) the components and functionality of an HCV intervention incorporated into the existing A-CHESS system; and (2) how data are collected and will be used to evaluate HCV testing, linkage to care, and treatment. Methods People with recent opioid use were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial to test whether A-CHESS reduced relapse. We developed and implemented HCV intervention content within the A-CHESS platform to simultaneously evaluate whether A-CHESS improved secondary outcomes related to HCV care. All A-CHESS users received the HCV intervention content, which includes educational information, private messages tailored to an individual’s stage of HCV care, and a public discussion forum. Data on patients’ HCV risk behaviors and stage of care were collected through quarterly telephone interviews and weekly surveys delivered through A-CHESS. The proportion of people with opioid use disorder who are HCV untested, HCV-negative, HCV antibody-positive, or HCV RNA–positive, as well as linked to care, treated and cured at baseline is described here. The 24-month follow-up is ongoing and will be completed in April 2020. Survey data will then be used to assess whether individuals who received the HCV-enhanced A-CHESS intervention were more likely to reduce risky injection behaviors, receive HCV testing, link to medical care, initiate treatment, and be cured of HCV compared to the control group. Results Between April 2016 and April 2018, 416 individuals were enrolled and completed the baseline interview. Of these individuals, 207 were then randomly assigned to the control arm and 209 were assigned to the intervention arm. At baseline, 202 individuals (49%) self-reported ever testing HCV antibody-positive. Of those, 179 (89%) reported receiving HCV RNA confirmatory testing, 134 (66%) tested HCV RNA–positive, 125 (62%) were linked to medical care and 27 (13%) were treated and cured of HCV. Of the remaining 214 individuals who had never tested HCV antibody–positive, 129 (31%) had tested HCV antibody–negative within the past year and 85 (20%) had not been tested within the past year. Conclusions The A-CHESS mobile health system allows for the implementation of a bundle of services as well as the collection of longitudinal data related to drug use and HCV care among people with opioid use disorders. This study will provide preliminary evidence to determine whether HCV-specific services embedded into the A-CHESS program can improve HCV outcomes for people engaged in addiction treatment. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02712034; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02712034 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/12620
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Affiliation(s)
- Karli R Hochstatter
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - David H Gustafson
- Center for Health Enhancement Systems Studies, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Wiconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Gina Landucci
- Center for Health Enhancement Systems Studies, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Wiconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Klaren Pe-Romashko
- Center for Health Enhancement Systems Studies, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Wiconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Adam Maus
- Center for Health Enhancement Systems Studies, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Wiconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Dhavan V Shah
- Center for Health Enhancement Systems Studies, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Wiconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Quinton A Taylor
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Emma K Gill
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Rebecca Miller
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Sarah Krechel
- AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Ryan P Westergaard
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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Mittal A, Kosinski KC, Stopka TJ. HCV treatment access among Latinxs who inject drugs: qualitative findings from Boston, Massachusetts, 2016. Harm Reduct J 2019; 16:44. [PMID: 31288811 PMCID: PMC6617637 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-019-0314-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compared with Caucasians, Latinxs with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) tend to initiate treatment less often, discontinue treatment, become infected younger, and have higher reinfection rates post-treatment. Little is known about HCV treatment experiences among Latinxs who inject drugs in the Northeastern USA. We assessed knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions tied to HCV, as well as HCV treatment readiness, and explored the overall HCV treatment experience of Latinx people who inject drugs (PWID) in Boston. METHODS We conducted qualitative interviews with monolingual and bilingual Spanish-speaking Latinx PWID (n = 15) in Boston, Massachusetts, between 2015 and 2016. We used a thematic content analysis approach to code and analyze data to identify knowledge, attitudes, and experiences related to HCV treatment. RESULTS We identified barriers and facilitators to HCV treatment. Six salient themes emerged from the data. For participants who had not initiated HCV treatment, lack of referral, fear of quitting drugs, and fear of relapse were perceived barriers. Trust in medical providers and a willingness to quit drugs were primary facilitators. Most participants had positive HCV treatment experiences, and several emphasized the need for outreach to Latinxs about the advantages of newer treatment options. Concerns about HCV reinfection were also notable. CONCLUSIONS We identified a range of experiences tied to HCV treatment among Latinx PWID. HCV care providers play a key role in determining treatment uptake, and more treatment information should be disseminated to Latinx PWID. Healthcare providers should capitalize on treatment facilitators by ensuring referrals to treatment and should continue to address perceived barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avni Mittal
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Karen C Kosinski
- Department of Community Health, Tufts University School of Arts and Sciences, 574 Boston Avenue, Suite 208, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Thomas J Stopka
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02111, 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 2019; 69:323-331. [PMID: 30329042 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [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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Response to Commentary on Zeremski et al. (2016): Improvements in HCV-related Knowledge Among Substance Users on Opioid Agonist Therapy After an Educational Intervention. J Addict Med 2019; 10:364-5. [PMID: 27685683 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000000240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Abstract
This commentary reviews the core principals of cost-effectiveness and applies them to the rapidly evolving context of hepatitis C virus treatment in the United States. The article provides a foundation of evidence that hepatitis C virus treatment provides good economic value, even though it is expensive, and even when treating people who inject drugs who are at high risk for hepatitis C virus reinfection. The price of medications has decreased, but the high price continues to limit access to care. This wedge between cost effectiveness and affordability stands front and center as one of the leading obstacles to elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin P Linas
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Shayla Nolen
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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Grebely J, Drolet M, Nwankwo C, Torrens M, Kastelic A, Walcher S, Somaini L, Mulvihill E, Ertl J, Liebert R, Litwin AH. Perceptions and self-reported competency related to testing, management and treatment of hepatitis C virus infection among physicians prescribing opioid agonist treatment: The C-SCOPE study. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2018; 63:29-38. [PMID: 30476876 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study evaluated competency related to HCV testing, management and treatment among physicians practicing in clinics offering opioid agonist treatment (OAT). METHODS C-SCOPE is a study consisting of a self-administered survey among physicians practicing at clinics providing OAT in Australia, Canada, Europe and USA between April-May 2017. A 7-point scale was used to measure < average competence (score >4 of 7) related to HCV testing, management and treatment. RESULTS Among 203 physicians (40% USA, 45% Europe, 14% Australia/Canada) 21% were addiction medicine specialists, 29% psychiatrists, and 70% were metro/urban [mean PWID managed, 51; years of experience, 11]. The majority perceived HCV testing (82%) and treatment (85%) among PWID as important. The minority reported < average competence with respect to regular screening (12%) and interpretation of HCV test results (14%), while greater proportions reported < average competence in advising patients about new HCV therapies (28%), knowledge of new treatments (37%), and treatment/management of HCV (40%). In adjusted analysis, factors independently associated with < average self-reported competency related to the ability to treat HCV and manage side effects included fewer years in medical practice, fewer numbers of patients treated for HCV infection in the past six months, not having obtained information on screening, diagnosing or treatment of HCV, not having attended any training on HCV in the past year, and not having read or consulted AASLD/IDSA, EASL or other guidelines for HCV. CONCLUSION Physicians treating HCV infection among PWID attending OAT clinics recognized the importance of HCV testing and treatment. However, self-perceived competency related to HCV management and treatment was low, highlighting the importance of improved HCV education and training among physicians practicing in clinics offering OAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | | | | | - Martha Torrens
- Department of Psychiatry, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Addiccions, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, IMIM (Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mediques), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrej Kastelic
- National Centre for the Treatment of Drug Addiction in Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Lorenzo Somaini
- Addiction Treatment Centre - Ser.D ASL BI - Local Health Unit, Biella, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Alain H Litwin
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine - Greenville, Greenville, SC, USA; Greenville Health System, Department of Medicine, Greenville, SC, USA; Clemson University School of Health Research, Clemson, SC, USA
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George N, Harrell SM, Rhodes KD, Duarte-Rojo A. Recreational Drug and Psychosocial Profile in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients Seeking Antiviral Therapy. Ann Hepatol 2018; 17:76-84. [PMID: 29311404 DOI: 10.5604/01.3001.0010.7537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Practitioners treating hepatitis C (HCV) provide healthcare to a special population with high rates of substance abuse and psychiatric disorders. We investigated the psychosocial profile in HCV patients and tested what variables affect commencement of antiviral therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS Recreational drug use (RDU), marijuana (THC), alcohol use, and psychiatric history were initially investigated with a questionnaire prior to history and physical. Following an educational intervention, we reinterrogated patients for RDU and THC use, and revision of initial statement was documented. Variables affecting commencement of antiviral therapy were analysed with logistic regression. RESULTS Out of 153 patients, 140 (92%) answered the questionnaire. Intervention increased total yield by 6%, however, 39% (11/28) of those initially denying use revised their statement. Drug screening identified 9 more patients with RDU/THC use. Half of patients consuming alcohol were heavy drinkers, and psychiatric disease was identified in 54%. Only 73 (48%) of 139 patients eligible for antivirals received treatment. Multivariable analysis revealed that younger patients (OR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.08), and those testing positive on drug screen (OR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.19-0.92) were less likely to be treated. Denial by insurance and loss to follow-up were the most common reasons for not starting antiviral treatment. CONCLUSION Substance abuse is highly prevalent among HCV patients, and it is difficult to tell prior from current users. Integral care of HCV patients should include a diligent screen for substance abuse and rehabilitation referral, aiming to increase the pool of patients eligible for antiviral therapy. This can only be achieved through a multidisciplinary approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayana George
- Department of Internal Medicine. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Sherrie M Harrell
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Kimberly D Rhodes
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Andres Duarte-Rojo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
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Negative experiences of pain and withdrawal create barriers to abscess care for people who inject heroin. A mixed methods analysis. Drug Alcohol Depend 2018; 190:200-208. [PMID: 30055424 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 05/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are prevalent among people who inject heroin (PWIH). Delays in seeking health care lead to increased costs and potential mortality, yet the barriers to accessing care among PWIHs are poorly understood. METHODS We administered a quantitative survey (N = 145) and conducted qualitative interviews (N = 12) with PWIH seeking syringe exchange services in two U.S. cities. RESULTS 66% of participants had experienced at least one SSTI. 38% reported waiting two weeks or more to seek care, and 57% reported leaving the hospital against medical advice. 54% reported undergoing a drainage procedure performed by a non-medical professional, and 32% reported taking antibiotics that were not prescribed to them. Two of the most common reasons for these behaviors were fear of withdrawal symptoms and inadequate pain control, and these reasons emerged as prominent themes in the qualitative findings. These issues are often predicated on previous negative experiences and exacerbated by stigma and an asymmetrical power dynamic with providers, resulting in perceived barriers to seeking and completing care for SSTIs. CONCLUSIONS For PWIH, unaddressed pain and withdrawal symptoms contribute to profoundly negative health care experiences, which then generate motivation for delaying care SSTI seeking and for discharge against medical advice. Health care providers and hospitals should develop policies to improve pain control, manage opioid withdrawal, minimize prejudice and stigma, and optimize communication with PWIH. These barriers should also be addressed by providing medical care in accessible and acceptable venues, such as safe injection facilities, street outreach, and other harm reduction venues.
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Tookey P, Mason K, Broad J, Behm M, Bondy L, Powis J. From client to co-worker: a case study of the transition to peer work within a multi-disciplinary hepatitis c treatment team in Toronto, Canada. Harm Reduct J 2018; 15:41. [PMID: 30107808 PMCID: PMC6092784 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-018-0245-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the integration of peer workers into harm reduction services, there is little documentation regarding the experience of this integration or of models in which peers are fully integrated as members of health care teams. The purpose of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the transition from client to support worker from the perspective of two individuals who received treatment for hepatitis C at a multi-disciplinary, community-based program, grounded in a harm reduction approach to substance use. METHODS A participatory case study design was selected. Interviews were conducted with two current peer workers who were also involved in the study design, analysis and writing. Data was coded and analyzed using an inductive approach to identify emergent themes. RESULTS Five primary themes emerged during our analysis of the facilitators and challenges of the transition from client to support worker: (1) the role of prior experience, (2) changes in substance use practices, (3) shifts in relationships with community members and friends, (4) supportive organizational and structural factors, and (5) role transition as a journey. In some cases, themes overlapped and contained elements that were both facilitating and challenging. CONCLUSIONS The transition from client to co-worker is a gradual process and one that is supported by, and in turn helps to support, a number of other personal transitions. The cases examined here suggest that a model of peer employment with broad qualification criteria, sufficient transition timelines, flexible job responsibilities, a solid investment in the inclusion of people with lived experience, and a harm reduction framework will support successful integration of current and/or former clients into health care teams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Tookey
- South Riverdale Community Health Centre, 955 Queen St East, Toronto, ON M4M 3P3 Canada
| | - Kate Mason
- South Riverdale Community Health Centre, 955 Queen St East, Toronto, ON M4M 3P3 Canada
| | - Jennifer Broad
- South Riverdale Community Health Centre, 955 Queen St East, Toronto, ON M4M 3P3 Canada
| | - Marty Behm
- South Riverdale Community Health Centre, 955 Queen St East, Toronto, ON M4M 3P3 Canada
| | - Lise Bondy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University. St. Joseph’s Health Care, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, ON N6A 4V2 Canada
| | - Jeff Powis
- Michael Garron Hospital, 835 Coxwell Ave, Toronto, ON M4C 3E7 Canada
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Yaya I, Roux P, Marcellin F, Wittkop L, Esterle L, Spire B, Dominguez S, Elegbe BA, Piroth L, Sogni P, Salmon-Ceron D, Carrieri MP, the ANRS CO13 HEPAVIH Study Group. Evolution of patients' socio-behavioral characteristics in the context of DAA: Results from the French ANRS CO13 HEPAVIH cohort of HIV-HCV co-infected patients. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199874. [PMID: 29975764 PMCID: PMC6033422 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Direct-acting antivirals (DAA) have dramatically increased HCV cure rates with minimal toxicity in HIV-HCV co-infected patients. This study aimed to compare the socio-behavioral characteristics of patients initiating pegylated-interferon (PEG-IFN)-based HCV treatment with those of patients initiating DAA-based treatment. METHODS ANRS CO13 HEPAVIH is a national multicenter prospective cohort started in 2005, which enrolled 1,859 HIV-HCV co-infected patients followed up in French hospital outpatient units. Both clinical/biological and socio-behavioral data were collected during follow-up. We selected patients with socio-behavioral data available before HCV treatment initiation. RESULTS A total of 580 patients were included in this analysis. Of these, 347 initiated PEG-IFN-based treatment, and 233 DAA-based treatment. There were significant differences regarding patient mean age (45 years±6 for the PEG-IFN group vs. 52 years±8 for the DAA group, p<0.001), unstable housing (21.4% vs. 11.2%, p = 0.0016), drug use (44.7% vs. 29.6%, p = 0.0003), regular or daily use of cannabis (24.3% vs. 15.6%, p = 0.0002), a history of drug injection (68.9% vs 39.0%, p<0.0001) and significant liver fibrosis (62.4% vs 72.3%, p = 0.0293). In multivariable analysis, patients initiating DAA-based treatment were older than their PEG-IFN-based treatment counterparts (aOR = 1.17; 95%CI [1.13; 1.22]). Patients receiving DAA treatment were less likely to report unstable housing (0.46 [0.24; 0.88]), cannabis use (regular or daily use:0.50 [0.28; 0.91]; non-regular use: 0.41 [0.22; 0.77]), and a history of drug injection (0.19 [0.12; 0.31]). CONCLUSION It is possible that a majority of patients who had socio-economic problems and/or a history of drug injection and/or a non-advanced disease stage were already treated for HCV in the PEG-IFN era. Today, patients with unstable housing conditions are prescribed DAA less frequently than other populations. As HCV treatment is prevention, improving access to DAA remains a major clinical and public health strategy, in particular for individuals with high-risk behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Issifou Yaya
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, Marseille, France
- ORS PACA, Observatoire régional de la santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Marseille, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Perrine Roux
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, Marseille, France
- ORS PACA, Observatoire régional de la santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Marseille, France
| | - Fabienne Marcellin
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, Marseille, France
- ORS PACA, Observatoire régional de la santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Marseille, France
| | - Linda Wittkop
- Univ. Bordeaux, ISPED, INSERM, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, team MORPH3EUS, UMR 1219, CIC-EC 1401, Bordeaux, France
- CHU de Bordeaux, Pole de sante publique, Service d’information medicale, Bordeaux, France
| | - Laure Esterle
- Univ. Bordeaux, ISPED, INSERM, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, team MORPH3EUS, UMR 1219, CIC-EC 1401, Bordeaux, France
| | - Bruno Spire
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, Marseille, France
- ORS PACA, Observatoire régional de la santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Marseille, France
| | - Stéphanie Dominguez
- INSERM U955, AP-HP, Groupe Henri-Mondor Albert-Chenevier, Immunologie Clinique et Maladies Infectieuses, Créteil, France
| | - Boni Armand Elegbe
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, Marseille, France
- ORS PACA, Observatoire régional de la santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Marseille, France
| | - Lionel Piroth
- Département d'Infectiologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire and INSERM CIC 1432, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Philippe Sogni
- Université Paris Descartes, INSERM U-1223, Institut Pasteur, Service d'Hépatologie, hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Dominique Salmon-Ceron
- Université Paris Descartes, Service Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, AP-HP, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Maria Patrizia Carrieri
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, Marseille, France
- ORS PACA, Observatoire régional de la santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Marseille, France
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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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