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Access to antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B during COVID-19

Marilia Rocha Bertolli1, Priscilla Alves Rocha1, Vanusa Barbosa Pinto1

  • 1Universidade de São Paulo, Faculty of Medicine, Hospital das Clínicas, Pharmacy Division - São Paulo (SP), Brazil.

Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira (1992)
|November 30, 2022
PubMed

Insights

During the COVID-19 pandemic, access to hepatitis B antiviral therapy was limited for women and older adults. A home medication delivery program improved access for chronic hepatitis B patients.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Hepatitis B is a significant global health issue.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted healthcare access for chronic disease management.
  • Contingency measures may have impacted hepatitis B treatment availability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess access to antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • To identify patient groups with challenges in accessing hepatitis B treatment.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of a medication delivery program.

Main Methods:

  • Descriptive analysis of treatment access for 225 chronic hepatitis B patients.
  • Study conducted at a tertiary university hospital in São Paulo, Brazil.
  • Data collected from April to December 2020.

Main Results:

  • The Home Medication Delivery Program (HMDP) served 64% of patients.
  • Women (56%) and individuals over 48 years old (70%) showed poorer access to antiviral therapy.
  • Patients in the HMDP (68%) had improved access.

Conclusions:

  • The study identified specific demographics at higher risk of limited access to hepatitis B antiviral therapy.
  • A medication delivery system demonstrated benefits in maintaining treatment access during a public health crisis.
  • Findings aid in optimizing public health strategies during pandemics.
Abstract

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