Practical solutions to resolve social barriers to hepatitis C treatment initiation among people who inject drugs: a qualitative study
Abstract Background We aimed to identify motivators for people who inject drugs to pursue treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and uncover opportunities that could make treatment more appealing. Methods Between November 2023 and January 2024, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 1...
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| Language: | English |
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BMC
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Harm Reduction Journal |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-024-01136-1 |
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| author | Phyo Aung Margaret Hellard Paul Dietze Bek Petrovic Peter Higgs Mark Stoové |
| author_facet | Phyo Aung Margaret Hellard Paul Dietze Bek Petrovic Peter Higgs Mark Stoové |
| author_sort | Phyo Aung |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background We aimed to identify motivators for people who inject drugs to pursue treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and uncover opportunities that could make treatment more appealing. Methods Between November 2023 and January 2024, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 HCV RNA-positive individuals with a history of injecting drug use and self-reported as either untreated or treated but delayed treatment for more than 6 months. Thematic and framework data analysis was employed and interpreted using the Capability, Opportunity and Motivation (COM-B) framework of behaviour change. Results The findings suggest that a combination of stability through secure housing, mental readiness and overcoming drug dependence supported by OAT (Capability), accessible and convenient healthcare like mobile outreach services coupled with financial incentives (Opportunity), and supportive relationships (Motivation) could serve to help people who inject drugs take up HCV treatment. Conclusion Alcohol and other drug and primary care services for people who use drugs should adopt person-centred approaches and recognise the gradual nature of behavioural change to foster empathy and supportive relationships to promote engagement in HCV care. Additionally, integrating HCV treatment with mobile outreach services and providing practical assistance, such as housing and financial incentives, are critical to ensuring that individuals remain engaged in HCV care. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-16c91460e28f45e1bab832d8532ffa1c |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1477-7517 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Harm Reduction Journal |
| spelling | doaj-art-16c91460e28f45e1bab832d8532ffa1c2024-12-22T12:23:47ZengBMCHarm Reduction Journal1477-75172024-12-012111810.1186/s12954-024-01136-1Practical solutions to resolve social barriers to hepatitis C treatment initiation among people who inject drugs: a qualitative studyPhyo Aung0Margaret Hellard1Paul Dietze2Bek Petrovic3Peter Higgs4Mark Stoové5Disease Elimination Program, Burnet InstituteDisease Elimination Program, Burnet InstituteDisease Elimination Program, Burnet InstituteDisease Elimination Program, Burnet InstituteDisease Elimination Program, Burnet InstituteDisease Elimination Program, Burnet InstituteAbstract Background We aimed to identify motivators for people who inject drugs to pursue treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and uncover opportunities that could make treatment more appealing. Methods Between November 2023 and January 2024, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 HCV RNA-positive individuals with a history of injecting drug use and self-reported as either untreated or treated but delayed treatment for more than 6 months. Thematic and framework data analysis was employed and interpreted using the Capability, Opportunity and Motivation (COM-B) framework of behaviour change. Results The findings suggest that a combination of stability through secure housing, mental readiness and overcoming drug dependence supported by OAT (Capability), accessible and convenient healthcare like mobile outreach services coupled with financial incentives (Opportunity), and supportive relationships (Motivation) could serve to help people who inject drugs take up HCV treatment. Conclusion Alcohol and other drug and primary care services for people who use drugs should adopt person-centred approaches and recognise the gradual nature of behavioural change to foster empathy and supportive relationships to promote engagement in HCV care. Additionally, integrating HCV treatment with mobile outreach services and providing practical assistance, such as housing and financial incentives, are critical to ensuring that individuals remain engaged in HCV care.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-024-01136-1Practical solutionsHepatitis C treatmentBehaviour changePeople who inject drugsMotivators |
| spellingShingle | Phyo Aung Margaret Hellard Paul Dietze Bek Petrovic Peter Higgs Mark Stoové Practical solutions to resolve social barriers to hepatitis C treatment initiation among people who inject drugs: a qualitative study Harm Reduction Journal Practical solutions Hepatitis C treatment Behaviour change People who inject drugs Motivators |
| title | Practical solutions to resolve social barriers to hepatitis C treatment initiation among people who inject drugs: a qualitative study |
| title_full | Practical solutions to resolve social barriers to hepatitis C treatment initiation among people who inject drugs: a qualitative study |
| title_fullStr | Practical solutions to resolve social barriers to hepatitis C treatment initiation among people who inject drugs: a qualitative study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Practical solutions to resolve social barriers to hepatitis C treatment initiation among people who inject drugs: a qualitative study |
| title_short | Practical solutions to resolve social barriers to hepatitis C treatment initiation among people who inject drugs: a qualitative study |
| title_sort | practical solutions to resolve social barriers to hepatitis c treatment initiation among people who inject drugs a qualitative study |
| topic | Practical solutions Hepatitis C treatment Behaviour change People who inject drugs Motivators |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-024-01136-1 |
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