Mapping for Engagement: Setting up a Community Based Participatory Research Project to Reach Underserved Communities at Risk for Hepatitis C in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Giang Nguyen Quoc,Thong Nguyen Tri,Mary Chambers,My Do Thuy An,Diep Nguyen Thi Ngoc,Jennifer Ilo Van Nuil,An Bao ,Hanh My ,Vy Nguyen Thuy Thanh ,Thuy Lam Ngoc ,My Nguyen Le Thao ,Lan Nguyen Thi ,Thuan Nguyen Anh ,Thai Phan Minh ,Ngoc Nguyen Anh ,Graham Cooke ,Thuan Nguyen Minh ,Ngoc Tran Thi ,Anh Hoang Thai ,Loc T B Phan ,Vu Thi Tuong ,Hieu Nguyen Minh ,Phung Tran Thi ,Son Pham Hong ,Trang Nguyen Nguyen Nhu ,An Nguyen Thanh

doi:10.3389/fpubh.2022.795470

Abstract

BackgroundApproximately 1. 07 million people in Vietnam are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). To address this epidemic, the South East Asian Research Collaborative in Hepatitis (SEARCH) launched a 600-patient cohort study and two clinical trials, both investigating shortened treatment strategies for chronic HCV infection with direct-acting antiviral drugs. We conducted ethnographic research with a subset of trial participants and found that the majority were aware of HCV infection and its implications and were motivated to seek treatment. However, people who inject drugs (PWID), and other groups at risk for HCV were under-represented, although injecting drug use is associated with high rates of HCV.Material and MethodsWe designed a community-based participatory research (CBPR) study to engage in dialogues surrounding HCV and other community-prioritized health issues with underserved groups at risk for HCV in Ho Chi Minh City. The project consists of three phases: situation analysis, CBPR implementation, and dissemination. In this paper, we describe the results of the first phase (i.e., the situation analysis) in which we conducted desk research and organized stakeholder mapping meetings with representatives from local non-government and community-based organizations where we used participatory research methods to identify and analyze key stakeholders working with underserved populations.ResultsTwenty six institutions or groups working with the key underserved populations were identified. Insights about the challenges and dynamics of underserved communities were also gathered. Two working groups made up of representatives from the NGO and CBO level were formed.DiscussionUsing the information provided by local key stakeholders to shape the project has helped us to build solid relationships, give the groups a sense of ownership from the early stages, and made the project more context specific. These steps are not only important preliminary steps for participatory studies but also for other research that takes place within the communities.

Highlights

Viral hepatitis is a global health issue needing urgent attention
The contacts informed us that it would be better to separate the advisory groups (AGs) into these broad categories for enhanced participation, especially for the CBOlevel
We defined the roles and responsibilities for each group, discussed the advantages and disadvantages of using CBPR to make sure it was the appropriate approach for the project, explored the exact groups that made up “underserved” groups and identified specific groups with whom we could work

Summary

Introduction

It is estimated that 257 million people are living with hepatitis B virus (HBV) [1] and 71.1 million people with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection [2, 3]. 1.07 million people in Vietnam are living with HCV [3]. 07 million people in Vietnam are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). To address this epidemic, the South East Asian Research Collaborative in Hepatitis (SEARCH) launched a 600-patient cohort study and two clinical trials, both investigating shortened treatment strategies for chronic HCV infection with direct-acting antiviral drugs. We conducted ethnographic research with a subset of trial participants and found that the majority were aware of HCV infection and its implications and were motivated to seek treatment. People who inject drugs (PWID), and other groups at risk for HCV were under-represented, injecting drug use is associated with high rates of HCV

Methods

Results

Conclusion