An opt-out approach to hepatitis C virus testing in English prisons: the literature underpinning the policy

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (20) ◽  
pp. 1158-1164
Author(s):  
Kathryn Jack
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Public Health Policy ◽  
World Health ◽  
Opt Out ◽  
The World ◽  
Public Health Threat ◽  
Hcv Testing ◽  
Virus Testing

Background: The World Health Organization's aim to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection as a public health threat by 2030 is dependent on testing people. HCV prevalence is higher in prisons, so to increase test uptake an ‘opt-out’ approach to blood-borne virus testing in English and Welsh prisons was introduced. Aims: This literature review examines the evidence behind the introduction of this public health policy. Methods: Four healthcare databases were searched for publications between January 2000 and February 2020 on the opt-out approach to blood-borne virus testing in prisons. Findings: Sixteen studies published between 2009 and 2019 were included. Analysis of their findings showed that an increase in HCV test uptake in prisons occurs when an opt-out approach is used in combination with additional interventions. Contextual differences between UK and US prisons may affect HCV test uptake. Conclusion: An opt-out approach to HCV testing in prisons can increase test uptake as part of a complex of interventions.

scholarly journals Anti-hepatitis C virus seroprevalence in the working age population in Poland, 2004 to 2014

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bożena Walewska-Zielecka ◽  
Urszula Religioni ◽  
Grzegorz Juszczyk ◽  
Zbigniew M Wawrzyniak ◽  
Aleksandra Czerw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Health Priorities ◽  
The World ◽  
Working Age ◽  
Working Age Population ◽  
Health Organization

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) to be a serious public health concern and one of the major public health priorities. In 2005, it was estimated that there are 185 million anti-HCV positive people in the world, which constitutes 2.8% of the global population. Our study estimates the anti-HCV seroprevalence in the working age population (15–64 years-old), mostly urban and suburban residents, in Poland from 2004 to 2014. The studied group consisted of 61,805 working-age population representatives whose data were obtained from electronic medical records of an outpatient clinic network operating on a countrywide level. Positive anti-HCV test results were obtained in 957 patients, representing 1.5% of the whole population studied throughout the analysed period. The average age of all anti-HCV positive patients was 36.8 years. Analysis of the data suggests that the proportion of anti-HCV positive patients decreased over the study period (mean positive anti-HCV = -0.0017 × year + 3.3715; R2 = 0.7558). In 2004, positive results were noted among 3.2% of patients undergoing HCV antibody tests, but in 2014, the percentage of patients with a positive result stood at 1.1%. The apparent decrease affected men and women similarly. Our study also provides evidence that screening people born before 1965 could be beneficial.

scholarly journals Universal opt-out screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) within correctional facilities is an effective intervention to improve public health

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 192-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghan D. Morris ◽  
Brandon Brown ◽  
Scott A. Allen
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Correctional Facilities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Opt Out ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Testing Policies ◽  
Hcv Testing

Purpose Worldwide efforts to identify individuals infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) focus almost exclusively on community healthcare systems, thereby failing to reach high-risk populations and those with poor access to primary care. In the USA, community-based HCV testing policies and guidelines overlook correctional facilities, where HCV rates are believed to be as high as 40 percent. This is a missed opportunity: more than ten million Americans move through correctional facilities each year. Herein, the purpose of this paper is to examine HCV testing practices in the US correctional system, California and describe how universal opt-out HCV testing could expand early HCV detection, improve public health in correctional facilities and communities, and prove cost-effective over time. Design/methodology/approach A commentary on the value of standardizing screening programs across facilities by mandating all facilities (universal) to implement opt-out testing policies for all prisoners upon entry to the correctional facilities. Findings Current variability in facility-level testing programs results in inconsistent testing levels across correctional facilities, and therefore makes estimating the actual number of HCV-infected adults in the USA difficult. The authors argue that universal opt-out testing policies ensure earlier diagnosis of HCV among a population most affected by the disease and is more cost-effective than selective testing policies. Originality/value The commentary explores the current limitations of selective testing policies in correctional systems and provides recommendations and implications for public health and correctional organizations.

scholarly journals Gaps in the Hepatitis C Continuum of Care among Sex Workers in Vancouver, British Columbia: Implications for Voluntary Hepatitis C Virus Testing, Treatment and Care

2015 ◽  
Vol 29 (8) ◽  
pp. 411-416 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Eugenia Socías ◽  
Kate Shannon ◽  
Julio S Montaner ◽  
Silvia Guillemi ◽  
Sabina Dobrer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Care Continuum ◽  
The Past ◽  
Low Prevalence ◽  
Hcv Testing ◽  
Disproportionate Burden ◽  
Virus Testing

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradication leads to reduced morbidity, mortality and transmission. Despite the disproportionate burden of HCV among sex workers, data regarding the HCV care continuum in this population remain negligible.METHODS: Using baseline data from an ongoing cohort of women sex workers in Vancouver (An Evaluation of Sex Workers’ Health Access, January 2010 to August 2013), the authors assessed HCV prevalence and engagement in the HCV care continuum within the past year. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate associations with recent (ie, in the past year) HCV testing.RESULTS: Among 705 sex workers, 302 (42.8%) were HCV seropositive. Of these, 22.5% were previously unaware of their HCV status, 41.7% had accessed HCV-related care, 13.9% were offered treatment and only 1.0% received treatment. Among 552 HCV-seronegative sex workers, only one-half (52.9%) reported a recent HCV test. In multivariable analysis, women who self-identified as a sexual/gender minority (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.89 [95% CI 1.11 to 3.24]), resided in the inner city drug use epicentre (aOR 3.19 [95%CI 1.78 to 5.73]) and used injection (aOR 2.00 [95% CI 1.19 to 3.34]) or noninjection drugs (aOR 1.95 [95% CI 1.00 to 3.78]) had increased odds of undergoing a recent HCV test, while immigrant participants (aOR 0.24 [95% CI 0.12 to 0.48]) had decreased odds.CONCLUSIONS: Despite a high burden of HCV among sex workers, large gaps in the HCV care continuum remain. Particularly concerning are the low access to HCV testing, with one-fifth of women living with HCV being previously unaware of their status, and the exceptionally low prevalence of HCV treatment. There is a critical need for further research to better understand and address barriers to engage in the HCV continuum for sex workers.

scholarly journals Hepatitis B and C viruses’ infection and associated factors among pregnant women in the Amhara region, Ethiopia: implications for prevention of vertical transmission.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mulat Dagnew ◽  
Yihenew Million ◽  
Mucheye Gizachew ◽  
Setegn Eshetie ◽  
Gashaw Yitayew ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
World Health ◽  
Amhara Region ◽  
History Of

Abstract Background Hepatitis virus infection is a major public health burden and silent killer disease in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. Despite the recommendations of the World Health Organization, screening for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in pregnant women is not done routinely in public health institutions. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the burden of HBV and HCV and its associated factors among pregnant women in the Amhara region, Ethiopia. Methods A total of 1121 pregnant women were enrolled in the study. Data on sociodemographic and associated factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Blood was collected from the pregnant women, and serum samples were tested for HBsAg and anti-hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) using ELISA. The status of HIV-infected pregnant women was collected from the records of their charts. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis, and a binary logistic regression model was used to assess the relationship between factors associated with HBV and HCV infection. Results The seroprevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV antibody were 4.6% and 1.6, respectively. The co-infection rate of HBV/HCV was 1.4% (1/69). Ten out of 52 HBV positive cases (19.2%) were co-infected with HIV. Only 20 (1.8%) pregnant women had the HBV vaccine. Interestingly, pregnant women with a history of multiple sexual partners (AOR = 3.2,95% CI,1.7–7.6), blood transfusion (AOR = 7.6,95% CI,2.9–16.9), family history of HBV (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI,1.7–7.6), being HIV-positive (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI,1-5.9), and tattooing (AOR = 2, 95% CI, 1-3.8) were significant predictors of HBV infection. Conclusions HBV and HCV infections were intermediate among pregnant women; risk factors were responsible for the majority of cases. Infants born from these infected mothers are at risk of infection. This calls for integration of HBV prevention into the PMTC of HIV. Thus, the provision of health education on HBV and HCV transmission, vaccination, and screening of all pregnant women routinely is essential for PMTCT.

scholarly journals The relationship of urbanization with the formation and implementation of public health policy in Ukraine

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 59-69
Author(s):  
О. І. Деміхов
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Public Health Policy ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
World Health ◽  
Motor Vehicles ◽  
Industrial Emissions ◽  
The World ◽  
The Impact

The purpose of the research is to study and find out the modern foreign technologies of public health policy in the context of the impact of urbanization processes, to explore the possibilities of implementation of best practices in Ukraine.Materials. Peculiarities of public health policy implementation in developed countries in the context of population density increase and agglomeration expansion are described in the article. The study is based on the analysis of statistics, publications in the media and scientific articles. The comparative statistical analysis of the countries of the world on the incidence of the incidence of different species and the correlation of these processes with the urbanization dynamics is made in the article. Expert assessments of UN and World Health Organization experts on processes of concentration of population around the world, deterioration of living conditions, quality of health, morbidity and appropriate prevention, promotion of healthy lifestyle and quality control of goods, works and services for the population are given in the article. Particular emphasis is placed on the environmental problems of densely populated areas, including through the proliferation of motor vehicles, substandard housing and uncontrolled industrial emissions. The connection of the dynamics of urbanization with the increase of the sedentary lifestyle of the citizens is also described. The urban way of life is assessed as requiring immediate influence by public health policy makers. The current experience of foreign public administration and public policy entities on a proactive approach to shaping the concept of public health in the context of urban transformation in society can be used in Ukraine. Practical results of the work of state institutions in developed countries should be implemented in Ukraine. Conclusions. On the example of the positive experience of the capitalist countries of the world, the further directions of the development of public health policy in Ukraine in the conditions of deepening urbanization processes are clearly defined.

scholarly journals Hepatitis C Virus Treatment: Simplifying the Simple and Optimizing the Difficult

2020 ◽  
Vol 222 (Supplement_9) ◽  
pp. S745-S757
Author(s):  
Oluwaseun Falade-Nwulia ◽  
Mark S Sulkowski
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Direct Acting Antivirals ◽  
Hepatitis C Treatment ◽  
New Era ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Public Health Threat ◽  
Direct Acting

Abstract The availability of safe, efficacious, oral direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have ushered in a new era of hepatitis C treatment with potential to eliminate hepatitis C as a public health threat. To achieve population-level effectiveness of these oral DAAs, hepatitis C treatment by a wide range of providers in different settings will be essential to increase the number of persons treated. We provide a clinical review of hepatitis C treatment with a focus on practical tools for management of hepatitis C in majority of currently infected individuals who can be easily cured and optimization of treatment for those in whom treatment may not be as simple.

Hepatitis C virus infection and anaesthesia practice: A narrative review

2021 ◽  
pp. 0310057X2110160
Author(s):  
Jeremy A Carman ◽  
Karl KH Lee ◽  
Andrew I Gardner ◽  
Smathi KK Chong
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Virus Infection ◽  
World Health ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus Infection ◽  
High Cure ◽  
Treatment Regimens ◽  
Cure Rates

This paper reviews the natural and treated history of hepatitis C virus infection, the interactions between current therapies and anaesthesia medications, and the implications of occupational exposure and infection to anaesthetists in light of significant changes in treatment. In the past decade, the introduction of new direct acting antiviral medications has seen high cure rates with a sustained viral response across all virus genotypes. These medications are well tolerated with minimal side-effects. Should a patient on these medications require anaesthesia, there are few clinically significant interactions with commonly used anaesthesia medications, and minimal perioperative investigations are required, although delaying elective surgery until after the completion of treatment regimens should be considered to maximise treatment success. As anaesthetists may practise exposure-prone procedures, regular screening for hepatitis C virus infection remains recommended to enable both patient protection and treatment of the anaesthetist prior to the development of any long-term complications of hepatitis C virus infection. Similarly, early diagnosis and treatment of occupationally acquired hepatitis C virus infection after body fluid exposure is associated with high cure rates with minimal risk of long-term liver damage. Although hepatitis C virus infection remains a significant public health issue in Australia and New Zealand, improvements in outcomes as a result of new treatment regimens have allowed the World Health Organization to target the elimination of hepatitis C virus infection as a public health threat by 2030, and public health strategies are being implemented to achieve this goal.

Zika

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 224-227
Author(s):  
Rabia Aftab
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Public Health Emergency ◽  
World Health ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Geographic Spread ◽  
The World ◽  
Public Health Threat ◽  
Health Organization

The Zika virus (ZIKV), first discovered in 1947, has emerged as a global public health threat over the last decade, with an accelerated geographic spread of the virus occurring in the last 5 years. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that millions of cases of ZIKV are likely to occur in the Americas between 2016 and 2017. These projections, in conjunction with an increase in newborn microcephaly cases that are suspected to be ZIKV-associated, prompted the WHO to declare a public health emergency of international concern in February 2016. With the current media attention, it is likely that GPs will be consulted on th topic, particularly by pregnant women.

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