Benefits and adverse effects of hepatitis C screening: early results of a screening program.
OBJECTIVE
Early benefits and adverse effects of hepatitis C screening among people who screened anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive were investigated.


METHODS
Hepatitis screening program records were abstracted to identify the target population and obtain information about hepatitis A and B vaccination (recommended vaccines if anti-HCV positive). Telephone interviews were conducted using a standardized questionnaire with items regarding clients' medical evaluation, behaviors to prevent liver damage and prevent HCV transmission, and adverse effects experienced.


CONCLUSIONS
Of 269 eligible clients, 147 were susceptible to hepatitis A (IgG negative), and 116 (78.9%) received at least 1 hepatitis A vaccine dose. Of 119 clients susceptible to hepatitis B, 101 (84.9%) received at least one dose of hepatitis B vaccine. Fifty-six (20.8%) were reached by phone, and 44 (78.6%) consented to the interview. All interviewed clients reported one or more positive behaviors to protect their liver or prevent HCV transmission; 51.2 percent reported at least one adverse effect related to knowing their positive anti-HCV status, most commonly difficulty obtaining health insurance; and 86.0 percent reported satisfaction with their decision to be tested. Results suggest that most anti-HCV-positive clients had some benefit from screening, and highlight the need for further studies.
Trepka
Mary Jo
MJ
Stempel School of Public Health, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USA. trepkam@flu.edu
Zhang
Guoyan
G
Leguen
Fermin
F
Obiaja
Kenneth
K
Malow
Robert M
RM
De La Rosa
Mario
M
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida / Q000453:epidemiology; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology*; D022362:Hepatitis A Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011635:Public Health Administration; D018570:Risk Assessment; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control
D022362:Hepatitis A Vaccines; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies