CONFIDENCE IN THE GEORGIA NATIONAL HCV ELIMINATION PROGRAM AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Hepatology

Background:

• Georgia has a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, posing a significant public health challenge.
• Highly effective direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) offer a >90% cure rate, making HCV elimination a tangible goal.
• The Georgia National HCV Elimination Program offers free DAAs to all infected adult citizens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the level of trust in the Georgia National HCV Elimination Program among women of reproductive age.
• To identify factors influencing trust and potential barriers to program enrollment.
• To inform strategies for improving program uptake and achieving HCV elimination.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted in Tbilisi, Georgia, involving 2185 women of reproductive age selected from maternity care centers.
• Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire assessing socio-demographics, HCV knowledge, and trust in the national elimination program.
• Statistical analysis examined associations between demographic factors and program trust.

Main Results:

• While most participants were aware of HCV and the elimination program, only 74.6% expressed trust.
• Nearly 10% indicated they would refuse enrollment if tested positive for HCV.
• Trust was significantly higher among women over 25 years old (80.7%) and those with higher education (78.7%) compared to younger or less educated women.

Conclusions:

• Trust in the Georgia National HCV Elimination Program is insufficient among women of reproductive age.
• Age and education level are associated with varying levels of trust in the program.
• Targeted educational campaigns are crucial to enhance trust and improve program participation for HCV elimination.