Impact of a Targeted Intervention on Hepatitis C Care Among African Americans With Serious Mental Illness.

Abstract

This study aimed to update findings on the continuum of care for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with follow-up data for individuals with serious mental illness and to identify predictors of decisions to decline vaccination. The screening, testing, immunization, risk reduction, and referral (STIRR) intervention has been shown to increase testing and immunization rates. Prevalence of HCV diagnoses, HCV continuum of care, and hepatitis A (HAV) and B (HBV) vaccination were evaluated with laboratory results and chart review. The prevalence of HCV was 15% (N=40 of 270 African Americans receiving the STIRR intervention). Of the 40 individuals identified as having HCV, 75% (N=30) accepted referral to treatment, of whom 47% (N=14) achieved sustained virologic response. Nearly 68% (N=155) of those eligible received at least partial HAV/HBV vaccination. The STIRR intervention facilitated access to treatment for HCV and high acceptance of hepatitis vaccination. Avoidance proved to be a significant factor in decisions to decline vaccination.