Knowledge of hepatitis C and awareness of reinfection risk among people who successfully completed direct acting antiviral therapy

Abstract

Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) education may be changing following the simplification of HCV treatment and emergence of direct acting antiviral (DAA). We aimed to characterize HCV knowledge among people who recently completed DAA therapy. Methods The Per-SVR (Preservation of Sustained Virologic Response) is a prospective cohort of patients who achieved a sustained virologic response upon successful completion of DAA therapy. The per-SVR study provided the sampling frame of participants who completed a psychometrically validated 19-item HCV knowledge scale at cohort entry (n = 227). To score the questionnaire, for each correct response one point was awarded, with no point for incorrect response. We assessed mean HCV knowledge score in the overall sample and mutually exclusive populations: people who inject drug (PWID) (n = 71); people with co-occurring HIV (n = 23); PWID and co-occurring HIV (n = 29), and others (n = 104) Using a latent class analysis based on distal outcome, we identified unobserved subgroups and assessed HCV knowledge amongst them. Results Total mean (SD) percent of correct responses were 83 (11) in the overall sample; 83 (10) in PWID; 79 (12) in people with co-occurring HIV; 81 (10) in PWID and co-occurring HIV, and 84 (11) in rest of the sample Three latent groups were identified: baby boomers who ever experienced homelessness (n = 126); women sex workers who ever experienced homelessness (n = 68); men who inject drug, ever experienced homelessness and had ever diagnosis of mental health disorders (n = 18). Mean percent of correct responses were 85 (8), 82 (11), 85 (10), in latent class 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Conclusion Patients successfully treated with DAAs had a high HCV knowledge. High knowledge and awareness of reinfection among complex patient groups often facing barriers to HCV care is encouraging and emphasizes the positive outcomes of universal access to treatment.

Analisis Deskripsi Faktor Risiko Infeksi Hepatitis C

“…Dalam penelitian Danish Nationwide Study, pendidikan rendah dikaitkan dengan peningkatan risiko infeksi HCV 1,35 kali lipat (95% CI: 1,20-1,52) dibandingkan dengan subyek berpendidikan tinggi (37). Dapat diasumsikan bahwa pendidikan yang lebih tinggi dan akses ke informasi medis secara substansial akan meningkatkan pengetahuan pasien tentang penyakit HCV (38,39). Penelitian sebelumnya menunjukkan bahwa orang yang terinfeksi HCV memiliki pengetahuan terbatas tentang penyakit HCV, terutama di daerah pedesaan (39).…”

Self-awareness of hepatitis C infection in the United States: A cross-sectional study based on the National Health Nutrition and Examination Survey

“…Above all, the lack of awareness of infection is a major obstacle to the effectiveness of HCV elimination programs. It has been shown that almost 45% of those living with HCV were unaware of their infection status [ 11 ], and this has not changed much with time [ 12 ] In the US, the prevalence of HCV is disproportionate in some populations [ 13 , 14 ] A thorough report on the trends of self-awareness of HCV infection over the years and the difference in awareness between various demographic groups is vital to progress toward reducing the prevalence and transmission of HCV [ 15 ]. Apart from a better understanding of HCV awareness disparities, this can facilitate improved resource allotment and public health interventions.…”