Engagement in Group Psychotherapy Among Marginalized Individuals With Hepatitis C

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Hepatology
• Public Health

Background:

• Hepatitis C treatment programs increasingly utilize group support to address psychosocial needs and care barriers.
• Individuals with hepatitis C often face complex psychosocial challenges impacting treatment adherence and outcomes.
• Community-based, interdisciplinary approaches are crucial for comprehensive hepatitis C care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To articulate the theoretical framework and details of an innovative psychoeducational group model.
• To examine group engagement and outcomes within a community-based hepatitis C treatment program.
• To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of group therapy for a marginalized population with hepatitis C.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a psychoeducational group model within a Toronto-based hepatitis C treatment program.
• Data collection over three group cycles to evaluate engagement and outcomes.
• Analysis of psychotherapeutic engagement and group cohesion measures.

Main Results:

• Psychotherapeutic engagement was higher than anticipated for this highly marginalized population.
• Group cohesion measures were equivalent or higher compared to established norms for support/psychotherapy groups.
• Demonstrated meaningful engagement in group therapy among individuals with complex psychosocial issues.

Conclusions:

• The psychoeducational group model is effective in engaging marginalized individuals with hepatitis C.
• Group therapy can foster significant engagement and cohesion, even in populations facing substantial barriers.
• This model offers a viable approach for addressing complex psychosocial needs in hepatitis C treatment.