Theme: Clinical Research Year: 2018
Background: “Positively Hep” is a multidisciplinary project led by the Needle and Syringe Program in a Western Sydney Hospital. Small monetary incentives are given for participation in education, testing and treatment of hepatitis C to target intravenous drug users with barriers to accessing mainstream healthcare. Since program commencement in March 2016, 319 people have received education, 71 people were diagnosed with hepatitis C and 22 people initiated treatment. We aim to determine the factors associated with disengagement from screening and treatment in the eligible groups. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the 319 participants. The association between Aboriginal status, co-morbidities, sex and age with disengagement at screening was assessed using logistic regression. The association between these factors as well as symptoms and co-morbidities with disengagement from treatment was also assessed. Results: In the 319 participants, 127 (40%) were female and 81 (25%) identified as Aboriginal; 145 (45%) underwent screening. In the 71 participants with hepatitis C, 22 (35%) commenced treatment. In those who received education, neither Aboriginal status nor sex was associated with being screened (p=0.61, p=0.30). In those with hepatitis C, neither Aboriginal status nor sex was associated with the decision to be treated (p=1.00, p=0.26). Further, multivariable associations will be presented. Conclusion: In the community that this hospital services, 3.2% of people identify as being Aboriginal. This intervention saw a high proportion of engagement from the Aboriginal community. Once engaged the Aboriginal participants were just as likely to be screened and treated as the non-Aboriginal population. Disclosure of Interest Statement: The authors declare no conflict of interest
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