Shelter-Based Integrated Model Is Effective in Scaling Up Hepatitis C Testing and Treatment in Persons Experiencing Homelessness.

ABSTRACT: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence is high among people experiencing homelessness, but barriers to scaling up HCV testing and treatment persist. We aimed to implement onsite HCV testing and education and evaluate the effectiveness of low-barrier linkage to HCV therapy among individuals accessing homeless shelters. HCV rapid testing was performed at four large shelters in San Francisco (SF) and Minneapolis (MN). Sociodemographic status, HCV risk, barriers to testing, and interest in therapy were captured. Participants received information about HCV. Those testing positive underwent formal HCV education and onsite therapy. Multivariable modeling assessed predictors of receipt of HCV therapy and sustained virologic response (SVR). A total of 766 clients were tested. Median age was 53.7 years,

SUBMITTER: Khalili M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8710795 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature