Theme: Epidemiology & Public Health Research Year: 2024
Background: The Hepatitis in Prisons Education Program (HepPEd) is a whole-of-prison, multi-modal HCV education program, tailored to three target audiences (people in prison [PIP]; custodial officers [CO]; healthcare providers [HCP]). This study evaluated the impact of prison-focused education on HCV testing and treatment uptake among PIP by improving the public health literacy of the prison.
Methods: A controlled, before and after interventional study was conducted in two prisons in Queensland and Tasmania. The intervention involved 3 months of whole-of-prison education targeting PIP, CO, and HCP (including peer education). DBS testing determined baseline HCV RNA prevalence. HCV testing and treatment numbers were collected before and after the intervention. Surveys were conducted to assess HCV public health literacy skills (knowledge, attitudes, capabilities regarding HCV testing and treatment for PIP), and the reach and acceptability of the education, among a representative sample of target audience members.
Results: Preliminary results from Queensland (CO: n=468; HCP: n=45; PIP: n=950; 17% HCV RNA prevalence) indicate HCV testing and treatment among PIP increased by 83% (mean: 131 vs 240) and 39% (mean: 13 vs 18) respectively, in the 3-month periods pre- and post-intervention. There were positive trends in knowledge, attitudes, and capabilities following the intervention, with improvements observed among all target audience groups (p values <0.001-0.54). Majority of PIP and HCP considered HepPEd to be engaging (84% and 94%), whereas CO reported mixed views. Reach was high, with 98% (PIP), 100% (CO), and 92% (HCW) reporting some exposure to the intervention.
Conclusion: Preliminary findings suggest that provision of whole-of-prison HCV education enhances HCV testing and treatment among PIP, generally improves the public health literacy of the prison (further work needed among CO) and is acceptable/feasible to deliver. This is the first controlled trial evaluating the impact of HCV education, as a standalone intervention, on testing and treatment outcomes in any setting.
Download abstract