Behavioral Interventions to Prevent Hepatitis C in Drug Users
Author Information
Author(s): Abou-Saleh Mohammed, Davis Paul, Rice Philip, Checinski Ken, Drummond Colin, Maxwell Douglas, Godfrey Christine, John Christopher, Corrin Betsy, Tibbs Christopher, Oyefeso Adenekan, de Ruiter Marian, Ghodse Hamid
Primary Institution: Division of Mental Health, St. George's, University of London
Hypothesis
Enhanced prevention counselling (EPC) is more effective and cost-effective than simple educational counselling (SEC) in reducing the rate of HCV sero-conversion and its risk behaviour.
Conclusion
The study was unable to prove the efficacy of EPC compared to SEC in preventing hepatitis C among injecting drug users due to low recruitment and retention rates.
Supporting Evidence
- 82% of participants were followed up at 6 months and 65% at 12 months.
- 8 out of 62 patients followed-up at twelve months seroconverted.
- Incidence rates were 9.1 per 100 person years for the EPC group and 17.2 per 100 person years for the SEC group.
Takeaway
This study tried to help people who use drugs not get hepatitis C, but it didn't work as well as hoped because not enough people stayed in the program.
Methodology
A randomized controlled trial comparing enhanced prevention counselling (EPC) and simple educational counselling (SEC) among injecting drug users.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the inability to blind the research team to the intervention allocation.
Limitations
Low recruitment and retention rates, and low adherence to the EPC intervention.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of participants was 32 years, with 70 males and 25 females; 10% were married, and 42% had at least one child.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.000
Statistical Significance
p<0.000
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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