SVR RATES AMONG HEPATITIS C CLIENTS: COMPARING INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT IN A MOBILE CLINIC IN NEW JERSEY

Methods
The Mobile Hepatitis C Elimination Clinic partners with multiple organizations across 89 urban, suburban, and rural areas to provide IP and OP treatment services. IP treatment is available at detoxification and residential treatment facilities, whereas OP services are provided at harm reduction centers, medication-assisted treatment clinics, and through private referrals. SVR is evaluated 12 weeks after treatment completion through follow-ups, medical chart reviews, and laboratory audits. We compare SVR rates between service settings (IP vs. OP), evaluate sex-based differences, assess age-related variations, and examine racial disparities in treatment outcomes.

Results
Among 1,740 patients, treated between 12/23/20 and 08/28/24, 65.4% received OP treatment. The cohort was composed of 63.8% males. Racial distribution showed 49.6% White, 28.3% declined to specify, 10.7% Hispanic, 10.1% Black, and 1.3% Other. Patients were stratified by age based on the mean, with 56.2% below the mean and 43.8% above it. SVR was achieved by 44.3%, while 4.5% did not. SVR rates were slightly higher in IP settings than in OP, although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.223). No significant differences were found across sex or racial groups. However, age proved significant (p = 0.036), with younger patients achieving better SVR rates in IP settings than OP.

Conclusion
Although SVR rates were somewhat higher in IP, the difference was not statistically significant. Age was crucial, with younger patients achieving better SVR outcomes in IP than OP settings. While disparities based on sex and race were not observed, the treatment setting may influence SVR outcomes for younger patients. Further research should investigate adherence, psychosocial support, and outreach strategies to improve treatment effectiveness in mobile care settings.