title: An interrupted time series evaluation of a hepatitis C intervention for persons with HIV.
abstract: Accurate HCV knowledge is lacking among high-risk groups, including people with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Liver disease primarily due to HCV has emerged as a serious cause of mortality among PLWHA. We used an Interrupted Time Series design to evaluate a social-ecologically based intervention for PLWHA, where an infectious disease clinic serving a six-county intervention area was monitored before (7 months) and after (17 months) intervention onset. The intervention included education of PLWHA and medical providers, HIV/HCV support groups, and adaptation of the patient chart top sheet to include HCV test information. Clinic-level outcomes were assessed prospectively every other week for 2 years by interviewing patients (n = 259) with clinic appointments on assessment days. Abrupt, gradual and delayed intervention effects were tested. Weighted regression analyses showed higher average HCV knowledge and a higher prevalence of patients reporting HCV discussion with their medical providers after intervention onset. A delayed effect was found for HCV awareness, and a gradually increasing effect was found for knowing one's HCV status. Other communities may consider adopting this intervention. Additional HCV interventions for PLWHA with HIV are needed.
authors.affiliation: Duke University Global Health Institute, Duke University Center for Health Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA. Rae.jean@duke.edu
authors.forename: Rae Jean
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Proeschold-Bell
authors.forename: Bettina
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hoeppner
authors.forename: Baishakhi
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Blouin
authors.forename: Beth
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Stringfield
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Muir
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D016174:Hepacivirus; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013995:Time