Hepatitis C transmission, prevention, and treatment knowledge among patients with HIV

Rae Jean Proeschold-Bell1, Rachel Blouin, Susan Reif

  • 1Duke University Global Health Institute and Duke University Center for Health Policy, Durham, NC 27708, USA. Rae.jean@duke.edu

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) knowledge is limited among people with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Targeted health education is crucial for preventing HCV and encouraging treatment among this vulnerable population.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a significant cause of mortality in people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS).
  • Limited understanding of HCV knowledge exists among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the knowledge of HCV transmission, treatment benefits, and prevention strategies among PLWHA.
  • To evaluate alcohol use patterns in PLWHA with self-reported HCV.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 179 patients at an infectious disease clinic.
  • Interviews were conducted to gather data on HCV knowledge and alcohol consumption.

Main Results:

  • A majority of participants understood HCV transmission via blood (66%) and the benefits of HCV treatment for co-infected individuals (53%).
  • Knowledge of prevention methods was high (79% for safer sex, 74% for safer injection).
  • Among those with HCV, 97% knew alcohol should be avoided, yet 32% reported recent alcohol use.

Conclusions:

  • Health education is essential to reduce HCV infections and improve treatment-seeking behaviors in PLWHA.
  • Higher education levels correlated with better HCV knowledge, highlighting the need for tailored health promotion for those with lower educational attainment.
Abstract

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