@article{10902/38334,
year = {2021},
url = {https://hdl.handle.net/10902/38334},
abstract = {Background and aims: The Spanish prison population includes two groups: people in prison and those who are serving non-custodial sentences. The latter has not yet been studied. This study aims to describe this population and the results of a test-and-treat strategy for hepatitis C including a holistic health assessment.
Method: This prospective study included all subjects serving non-custodial sentences at the Center for Social Integration. It was assisted by the medical team, a navigator, and a systematic screening of HCV (Hepatitis C Virus) performed by point-of-care tests. All cases with active infection are evaluated using telemedicine by a specialist to prescribe antiviral treatment. The navigator facilitates continuity for medical and social assistance.
Results: The screening rate reached 92.8% (548/590). HCV seroprevalence and viraemia prevalence were 8% (44) and 2.9% (16), respectively. Regarding comorbidities: problems related to drug dependence were detected in 264 (48.2%), suspected serious mental disorder in 44 (8.3%), and previous stay in prison in 122 cases (22.2%). The navigator monitored 59 (15.2%) patients regarding HCV treatment or comorbidities. All patients (10/10) completing 12 weeks follow-up achieved sustained virological response.
Conclusions: The population serving non-custodial sentences is a challenging group with a high prevalence of HCV infection. Micro-elimination programs using point of care diagnostic tests, telemedicine, and a navigator are necessary in this underserved vulnerable population.},
publisher = {MDPI},
publisher = {Diagnostics (Basel), 2021, 11(5), 877},
title = {Hepatitis C micro-elimination beyond prison walls: navigator-assisted test-and-treat strategy for subjects serving non-custodial sentences},
author = {Cabezas, Joaquín and Llerena, Susana and Mateo, Miguel and Álvarez, Rocío and Cobo, Carmen and González, Victoria and Cuadrado Lavín, Antonio and Crespo, Javier},
}