Abstract
Background:Hepatitis C is highly prevalent among people who use drugs (PWUD), and the hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic is less characterised in Norway. The aims of the study were to assess the prevalence and treatment willingness in high-risk populations by reaching out to frequently visited sites for high-risk populations.Methods:Individuals from high-risk populations were included from September 2015 to March 2017. Two dedicated study nurses frequently visited the local opioid substitution clinic, outpatient clinics, PWUD day centres, local prison, and refugee centre in Trondheim, Norway. Demographic data, risk behaviour, and clinical symptoms were obtained by study questionnaire. Subjects with anti-HCV+ rapid test were subsequently tested for HCV RNA and genotyped. Viraemic patients were offered referral for HCV treatment evaluation.Results:A total of 381 participants were included in the study: 52 immigrants, 62 prisoners, and 267 PWUD. The anti-HCV prevalence rates were 0% (n = 0) in immigrants, 40% (n = 25) in prisoners, and 61% (n = 164) in PWUD, with 24% (n = 15) of prisoners and 42% (n = 108) of PWUD being viraemic. Of those qualifying for treatment (n = 31), 30 wished to be evaluated.Conclusion:This study showed high HCV prevalence in prisoners and PWUD and that infected high-risk patients were interested in treatment evaluation.
Highlights
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects the liver and is transmitted through contaminated blood
The aims of this study were to use an approach where highrisk populations were reached by offering mobile HCV screening, as well as to evaluate the HCV prevalence and epidemiology in high-risk populations in Trondheim, Norway
The outreach model in this study showed that HCV evaluation and treatment initiation of people who use drugs (PWUD) might be feasible if specialist clinics cooperate with community nurses by offering appointments with infectious disease nurses in the community
Summary
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects the liver and is transmitted through contaminated blood. The anti-HCV prevalence rates were 0% (n = 0) in immigrants, 40% (n = 25) in prisoners, and 61% (n = 164) in PWUD, with 24% (n = 15) of prisoners and 42% (n = 108) of PWUD being viraemic. Of those qualifying for treatment (n = 31), 30 wished to be evaluated. Conclusion: This study showed high HCV prevalence in prisoners and PWUD and that infected high-risk patients were interested in treatment evaluation
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