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Feasibility and Acceptability of Antenatal Hepatitis C Screening: A Pilot Study
Joseph Valamparampil1, Jaswant Sira1, Maxine Brown1
1Liver Unit Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.
Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|September 4, 2024
Summary
Routine antenatal screening for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is feasible and acceptable to pregnant women. Despite low initial awareness, 99% supported universal screening, enabling early detection and treatment for mothers and infants.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is not routinely screened during pregnancy in the UK.
- International guidelines recommend universal antenatal screening for HCV.
- Limited awareness of HCV exists among pregnant women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and acceptability of antenatal HCV screening.
- To determine patient knowledge about HCV.
- To identify the prevalence of HCV infection in pregnant women.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study in a single hospital-based antenatal clinic.
- Recruited 490 pregnant women for HCV antibody testing.
- Collected data via questionnaires on knowledge and acceptability.
Main Results:
- 96% found HCV counseling acceptable; 99% favored universal screening.
- Low prior awareness of HCV (55%) but high information helpfulness (91%).
- Prevalence of HCV antibody positivity was 0.2% (1/490), with negative PCR confirmation.
Conclusions:
- Antenatal HCV screening is feasible and acceptable in the UK.
- Universal screening can identify infected mothers and infants for timely treatment.
- Implementing HCV screening aligns with WHO goals to eliminate viral hepatitis.
