Age, ethnicity and proximity to clinic determine retention in care of chronic hepatitis B patients

Abstract

Distance of residence from Liver Clinic (km) (on 13/7/22) mean, median (range) 45.5, 9.48 (0-494) 17.2, 6.47 (0-441) p < 0.001 b a Chi-squared test.b Mann-Whitney U test.c Cox multivariate analysis includes 1407 patients with complete data.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening, linkage and retention-in-care in inclusion health populations: Evaluation of an outreach screening programme in London

“…In comparison to other published data on refugees and migrants, our reported rates of LTC and RIC are high, with low LTFU; a study of newly settled refugees in the United States found 6 month linkage to care was 36% and another study including refugees and asylum seekers in southern Italy found that only 43% were RIC at one year ( 23 , 24 ). However, comparison is limited since definitions of LTC, RIC and LTFU are variable ( 25 , 26 ). It will be important to reach consensus definitions to improve our understanding of published data, compare efficacy of interventions and to provide guidance for health services on the gold standard in CHB care.…”

“…Asian ethnicity, proximity of residence to clinic, older age and being on treatment have been identified as predictors of RIC, whereas refugee status predicts LTFU ( 26 , 27 ). Accessible care, patient and provider education and reduction in stigma are key factors to improve the HBV care cascade in the United States ( 28 ).…”