Values and preferences for hepatitis C self-testing among people who inject drugs in Kyrgyzstan

Martínez-Pérez, G.Z. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Nikitin, D.S. ; Bessonova, A. ; Fajardo, E. ; Bessonov, S. ; Shilton, S.

Resumen: Background: The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among people who inject drugs (PWID) continues to be a major public-health burden in this highly stigmatised population. To halt transmission of HCV, rapid HCV self-testing kits represent an innovative approach that could enable PWID to know their HCV status and seek treatment. As no HCV test has yet been licenced for self-administration, it is crucial to obtain knowledge around the factors that may deter or foster delivery of HCV self-testing among PWID in resource-constrained countries. Methods: A qualitative study to assess values and preferences relating to HCV self-testing was conducted in mid-2020 among PWID in the Bishkek and Chui regions of Kyrgyzstan. Forty-seven PWID participated in 15 individual interviews, two group interviews (n = 12) and one participatory action-research session (n = 20). Responses were analysed using a thematic analysis approach with 4 predefined themes: awareness of HCV and current HCV testing experiences, and acceptability and service delivery preferences for HCV self-testing. Informants’ insights were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. This research received local ethics approval. Results: Awareness of HCV is low and currently PWID prefer community-based HCV testing due to stigma encountered in other healthcare settings. HCV self-testing would be accepted and appreciated by PWID. Acceptability may increase if HCV self-testing: was delivered in pharmacies or by harm reduction associations; was free of charge; was oral rather than blood-based; included instructions with images and clear information on the test’s accuracy; and was distributed alongside pre- and post-testing counselling with linkage to confirmatory testing support. Conclusions: HCV self-testing could increase awareness of and more frequent testing for HCV infection among PWID in Kyrgyzstan. It is recommended that peer-driven associations are involved in the delivery of any HCV self-testing. Furthermore, efforts should be maximised to end discrimination against PWID at the healthcare institutions responsible for confirmatory HCV testing and treatment provision. © 2021, The Author(s).

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06332-z

Año: 2021

Publicado en: BMC Infectious Diseases 21, 1 (2021), 609 [12 pp]
ISSN: 1471-2334

Factor impacto JCR: 3.669 (2021)

Categ. JCR: INFECTIOUS DISEASES rank: 60 / 96 = 0.625 (2021) - Q3 - T2

Factor impacto CITESCORE: 4.8 - Medicine (Q2)

Factor impacto SCIMAGO: 1.042 - Infectious Diseases (Q2)

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Área Enfermería (Dpto. Fisiatría y Enfermería)