Patient Acceptance of Universal Screening for Hepatitis C
Author Information
Author(s): Coffin Phillip O, Stevens Anne M, Scott John D, Stekler Joanne D, Golden Matthew R
Primary Institution: University of Washington
Hypothesis
What are patient opinions about universal screening for hepatitis C virus infection?
Conclusion
Patients support universal screening for HCV, even if it involves testing without prior consent or the routine provision of negative test results.
Supporting Evidence
- The vast majority of patients supported universal screening for HCV.
- 48% preferred universal testing without being informed.
- 75% preferred to be tested without knowing about it than not to be tested at all.
Takeaway
Most patients think it's a good idea to test everyone for hepatitis C, even if they don't know they're being tested.
Methodology
An anonymous, self-administered, cross-sectional survey was conducted at five outpatient clinics.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported data and the limited scope of the survey questions.
Limitations
The generalizability of findings is uncertain, and self-reported histories of testing or disease status were not confirmed.
Participant Demographics
55% women, median age 47 years, 56.3% white, 32.7% African or African-American.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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