An interrupted time series evaluation of a hepatitis C intervention for persons with HIV

AIDS Behav. 2011 Nov;15(8):1721-31. doi: 10.1007/s10461-010-9870-1.

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.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • Health Education
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Hepacivirus
  • Hepatitis C / complications*
  • Hepatitis C / diagnosis
  • Hepatitis C / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Regression Analysis
  • Self-Help Groups
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Time