HCV-Related Knowledge is Associated with Willingness to Undergo HCV Treatment Among Patients Receiving Methadone

With the rapidly changing landscape of hepatitis C (HCV) treatment, developing an understanding of factors affecting the likelihood of treatment engagement is imperative, especially among patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment. This investigation is part of a larger project testing the feasibility of an HCV care delivery model within an opioid treatment program. Between November 2012 and February 2013, patients receiving methadone maintenance at a single site in New York City (total population: 550–600 patients) were approached to complete a survey. Of these, 320 completed the 30-item survey regarding HCV-related knowledge and willingness to undergo HCV treatment.

• The mean age of respondents was 53 ± 9 years; 60% were male. The mean duration of methadone maintenance treatment was 7 ± 6.7 years; HCV seropositivity was self-reported by 46% of participants.
• Seventy-eight percent of patients expressed willingness to engage in HCV education and treatment.
• Younger patients, those willing to attend an HCV-related educational activity, and those with higher HCV-related knowledge were more accepting of treatment. Fear of side effects was the most commonly reported barrier to treatment acceptance.

Comments:

Patients in this study with a higher level of HCV-related knowledge were more accepting of HCV treatment. These findings underscore the importance of public health efforts to dispel myths about HCV natural history and treatment, especially current interferon-free treatment regimens. Studies investigating factors associated with treatment engagement among patients with HCV seroconfirmation would inform future educational initiatives and will need to take into consideration the ever-changing landscape of HCV treatment options.

Jeanette M. Tetrault, MD

Reference:

Zeremski M, Dimova RB, Zavala R, et al. Hepatitis C virus-related knowledge and willingness to receive treatment among patients on methadone maintenance. J Addict Med. 2014;8(4):249–257.