Effectiveness of interventions to increase hepatitis C testing uptake among high-risk groups: a systematic review

Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolynErthygl adolyguadolygiad gan gymheiriaid

Fersiynau electronig

Dangosydd eitem ddigidol (DOI)

  • Lisa Jones
    Centre for Public Health, Liverpool John Moores University
  • Geoff Bates
    Centre for Public Health, Liverpool John Moores University
  • Ellie McCoy
    Centre for Public Health, Liverpool John Moores University
  • Caryl Beynon
    Centre for Public Health, Liverpool John Moores University
  • James McVeigh
    Centre for Public Health, Liverpool John Moores University
  • Mark A Bellis
    Public Health Wales

BACKGROUND: People who inject drugs are at the greatest risk of acquiring hepatitis C virus infection in many high-income countries, including those in Europe. Our review examined the effectiveness of interventions aimed at increasing hepatitis C virus testing uptake.

METHODS: We undertook a systematic review of controlled studies. Searches of 13 databases were supplemented with citation searching, and manual searches of reference lists and websites. Studies of interventions that aimed to increase testing uptake among high-risk groups were included. Testing uptake was our primary outcome measure of interest and secondary outcomes were engagement in follow-up services and treatment. A narrative synthesis was undertaken.

RESULTS: Eight controlled studies were included. Three studies examined interventions in primary care; one examined dried blood spot testing as an alternative method of testing, and two examined outreach provision. Two further studies examined interventions to improve hepatitis C management. Targeted case finding in primary care, support and training for primary care practitioners, offering alternative testing and provision of outreach testing all increased uptake of testing; however, intervention effects were variable.

CONCLUSIONS: Evidence from the available studies suggests that increases in testing uptake can be achieved. Careful attention needs to be paid to the resource implications associated with implementation of interventions in primary care settings and also of the potential for interventions to improve outcomes once a positive diagnosis has been made. Further research on the cost-effectiveness of the intervention approaches examined in this review is required.

Allweddeiriau

Iaith wreiddiolSaesneg
Tudalennau (o-i)781-8
Nifer y tudalennau8
CyfnodolynEuropean Journal of Public Health
Cyfrol24
Rhif y cyfnodolyn5
Dynodwyr Gwrthrych Digidol (DOIs)
StatwsCyhoeddwyd - Hyd 2014
Cyhoeddwyd yn allanolIe
Gweld graff cysylltiadau