title: Increasing hepatitis C knowledge among homeless adults: results of a community-based, interdisciplinary intervention.
abstract: Homeless adults have high rates of hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) and low levels of HCV knowledge. This study reports results of an interdisciplinary, community-based intervention using stakeholder cooperation, case management, risk factor identification, and modification of dysfunctional psychosocial factors to increase HCV knowledge among homeless adults (N = 747). Data are from a randomized quasi-experimental study, with the major goal of evaluating the effectiveness of a Nurse Case Managed Intervention compared to a Standard Intervention, encouraging completion of a three-series hepatitis A/hepatitis B vaccination program. Increased HCV knowledge was measured with an 18-item questionnaire discerning risk factors for HCV and common misconceptions about individuals with HCV. A significant increase in HCV knowledge resulted regardless of intervention format. Receiving the Nurse Case Managed Intervention predicted greatest gain in HCV knowledge (p < 0.000). Successfully engaging key stakeholders, outreach workers, community organizations, and homeless people themselves proved most efficacious in increasing HCV knowledge.
authors.affiliation: , 605#2 East Lugonia Ave, Redlands, CA, 92374, USA, dftyler1@verizon.net.
authors.forename: Darlene
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tyler
authors.forename: Adeline
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nyamathi
authors.forename: Judith A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Stein
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Koniak-Griffin
authors.forename: Felicia
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Hodge
authors.forename: Lillian
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gelberg
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019090:Case Management / Q000458:organization & administration*; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000635:transmission*; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D010348:Patient Care Team; D015397:Program Evaluation; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D035862:Vulnerable Populations / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*