Abstract

In Canada, approximately 10 000 people are living with both hepatitis C and HIV; 20% of individuals living with HIV are co-infected with hepatitis C. Many individuals who inject drugs are at a higher risk for contracting both hepatitis C and HIV because they engage in high risk activities that increase their chances of being in contact with infected blood Individuals living with hepatitis C are at risk of contracting HIV. Being co-infected with both diseases complicates both hepatitis C and HIV; it is therefore critical to provide treatment for hepatitis C. Although those living with hepatitis C often report high interested in treatment, uptake remains low. The purpose of this research project is to identify the factors which influence decisions around hepatitis C treatment. A mixed methods approach was used; 60 individuals participated in a cross sectional questionnaire, while 6 engaged in in-depth interviews. All participants were currently accessing methadone maintenance treatment for opioid addiction and had experience with injection drug use. The questionnaires explored characteristics, knowledge, attitude and willingness to access hepatitis C treatment. Interviews delved deeper into the issues uncovered in the questionnaires and explored life experiences and their influence around treatment decisions. Results indicated that 70% of participants were interested in starting hepatitis C treatment within the next 6 months, while 30% were undecided or uninterested. Analysis of the questionnaire results have suggested that it may not be factual knowledge which influences individuals' decisions around treatment, but life conditions (ie, housing, employment) and experiences. The interviews supported this finding though a thematic analysis. The results of this study suggest that efforts to increase interest in treatment should focus on improving life conditions that support accessing treatment (eg, providing supportive housing). Future studies would include a larger sample size and a more refined questionnaire.