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Updated: Aug 31, 2025
A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
Published on: June 26, 2014
Descriptive epidemiology of hepatitis C in individuals referred for specialized HCV care in Newfoundland and
Mary Malebranche1, Dawn King2, Jennifer Leonard3
1Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta.
Insights
This study reveals that hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Newfoundland and Labrador disproportionately affects men and urban populations. Intravenous drug use is a primary risk factor, with high follow-up losses in the correctional system.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses a significant global health burden.
- Epidemiological and demographic data for HCV in Canada, particularly Atlantic Canada, remain limited.
- Specific data on the demographic and clinical profiles of HCV-infected individuals in Newfoundland and Labrador are scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the knowledge gap regarding HCV epidemiology in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of HCV-infected individuals in this Atlantic Canadian province.
- To inform future HCV-related health policies and clinical care initiatives.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study design.
- Inclusion of HCV-positive individuals referred for specialized care in St. John's, Newfoundland (1996-2014).
- Data collection through chart review and a dedicated database.
Main Results:
- 714 individuals analyzed, representing 57.5% of provincial cases.
- HCV infection more prevalent in men (68.2%) and urban dwellers (74.8%).
- HCV genotype 1 was the most common (52.1%); intravenous/intranasal drug use reported as primary risk factors.
- High loss-to-follow-up rates observed for individuals from the correctional system.
Conclusions:
- The study provides crucial insights into the profile of HCV-infected individuals in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and resource allocation for HCV care.
- Results contribute to a better understanding of HCV epidemiology in Atlantic Canada and can guide national strategies.
Background:
Despite growing awareness of the significant burden of disease caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection worldwide, understanding of the epidemiology and demographic distribution of HCV infection in Canada, specifically in Atlantic Canada, is limited. Currently, data on the demographic and clinical profile of HCV-infected individuals in Newfoundland and Labrador is limited. The aim of this study is to address this knowledge gap.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort study of HCV-positive individuals referred for specialized care in St. John's, Newfoundland, between 1996 and 2014, was conducted. Descriptive data were obtained through chart review and access to a database consisting of individuals referred for specialized HCV care in St. John's.
Results:
During the study period, 767 individuals were referred for specialized HCV care, of whom 714 were included in our analysis. These individuals represent 57.5% of HCV-positive cases identified by the province's public health department during the same time frame. HCV infection was more common among men (68.2%) and urban dwellers (74.8%). The majority of cases were HCV genotype 1 (52.1%). Intravenous and intranasal drug use were the most common self-reported risk factors for HCV transmission. High loss-to-follow-up rates were found among those referred from the province's correctional system.
Conclusions:
This study provides important insights into the demographic and clinical profile of individuals referred for HCV-related care in Newfoundland and Labrador and fills a gap in the current understanding of HCV-positive individuals in this Atlantic province. These findings can help inform future directions for HCV-related health policy, resource allocation, and clinical care initiatives in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada.
