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Hepatitis C Virus Treatment Status and Barriers among Patients in Methadone Maintenance Treatment Clinics in Guangdong Province, China: A Cross-Sectional, Observational Study

Author

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  • Yin Liu

    (Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
    These authors contributed equally to the work.)

  • Xia Zou

    (Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
    These authors contributed equally to the work.)

  • Wen Chen

    (Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China)

  • Cheng Gong

    (Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China)

  • Li Ling

    (Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China)

Abstract

We aimed to evaluate the status and barriers related to hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment among Chinese methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) clients, and the willingness and barriers of patients to accept directly observed treatment (DOT) service and oral direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). We conducted a cross-sectional survey from July to October 2017 in Guangdong Province, China, involving 678 HCV antibody-positive MMT patients. If they reported being infected with HCV, then their HCV treatment experience, willingness to use DOT and DAAs, along with any barriers, were collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the correlates of initiating HCV treatment. Among those reporting HCV infection (54%, 366/678), 39% (144/366) initiated treatment; however, 38% (55/144) interrupted and 55% (79/135) delayed treatment for 15 months. Seventy-five percent (273/366) and 53% (195/366) were willing to use DOT and DAAs, respectively. Unaffordable medical costs and insignificant symptoms were the major barriers to HCV treatment and accepting DOT or DAAs. The lack of a stable residence, being a woman, and having ever injected drugs were all associated with a low probability of initiating treatment ( p < 0.05). This study highlights a limited uptake of HCV treatment among MMT patients, and a need to strengthen the popularity of DOT and DAAs and integrate them into Chinese MMT clinics.

Suggested Citation

  • Yin Liu & Xia Zou & Wen Chen & Cheng Gong & Li Ling, 2019. "Hepatitis C Virus Treatment Status and Barriers among Patients in Methadone Maintenance Treatment Clinics in Guangdong Province, China: A Cross-Sectional, Observational Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-15, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:22:p:4436-:d:286178
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Havens, J.R. & Lofwall, M.R. & Frost, S.D.W. & Oser, C.B. & Leukefeld, C.G. & Crosby, R.A., 2013. "Individual and network factors associated with prevalent hepatitis C infection among rural appalachian injection drug users," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(1), pages 44-52.
    2. Yun Lu & Xiuze Jin & Cheng-a-xin Duan & Feng Chang, 2018. "Cost-effectiveness of daclatasvir plus asunaprevir for chronic hepatitis C genotype 1b treatment-naïve patients in China," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(4), pages 1-12, April.
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