Adherence to Hepatitis C Therapy in a Shelter-Based Education and Treatment Model among Persons Experiencing Homelessness
Abstract Background Medication adherence is a common reason for treatment deferment in persons experiencing homelessness. We evaluated adherence to HCV therapy following HCV education in a shelter-based care model. Methods Prospective study conducted at 4 homeless shelters in Minneapolis, MN and San Francisco, CA from 11/2018–1/2021. Sixty-three patients underwent HCV education and treatment. Multivariable modeling evaluated factors associated with (1) medication and (2) overall (composite score of medication, laboratory, and clinic visit) adherence. Results Median age was 56, 73% male, 43% Black, 52% had psychiatric illness, and 81% used illicit drugs and 60% used alcohol in the past year. Following education, 52% were extremely confident in their ability to be adherent to HCV therapy. Medication adherence by patient and provider report was 88% and 48% respectively and 81% achieved HCV cure. Active alcohol use was associated with less confidence in medication adherence (43% vs. 78%, P=0.04). Older age was positively (Coef=0.3) associated with overall adherence to HCV treatment while prior therapy was associated with both medication (OR=0.08) and overall treatment (Coef=-0.87) non-adherence. Conclusions Despite imperfect adherence, SVR rates were still high. Expanding opportunities to treat persons experiencing homelessness in a structured and supportive setting is critical to HCV elimination efforts.