Effect of COVID-19 on hepatitis B and C virus countermeasures: Hepatologist responses from nationwide survey in Japan.
Hepatol Res
; 52(11): 899-907, 2022 Nov.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-35861597
ABSTRACT
AIM:
Achieving hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination requires continuous and sustained high volumes of diagnosis and treatment, which have been affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This study assessed the effects of COVID-19 on hepatitis-related services in Japan and compared Japan's situation with a global survey.METHODS:
We conducted an online cross-sectional questionnaire survey of hepatologists from the Japan Society of Hepatology from August to October 2021 by using the same questionnaire from which a survey was conducted globally to address the effects of COVID-19 on hepatitis-related services. Hepatologists responded based on own impressions of their affiliated institutions.RESULTS:
In total, 196 hepatologists participated from 35 prefectures including 49.5% in managerial positions. Approximately 40% survey participants reported a 1%-25% decline in HBV and HCV screening and confirmatory testing. In addition, 53.6% and 45.4% reported no decline in HBV and HCV treatment initiation, respectively. Comparing any level of decrease with the global survey, there was less of a decline observed in Japan for screening (HBV 51% vs. 56.3%, HCV 51% vs. 70.9%) and treatment initiation (HBV 32.7% vs. 52.4%, HCV 41.8% vs. 66%). However, patient anxiety/fear (67.4%) and loss of staff due to COVID-19 (49.0%) were reported as challenges for resuming services to pre-COVID-19 levels.CONCLUSION:
Although in Japan all-inclusive decline in HBV- and HCV-related services were lower than in other countries, a greater decline was observed in HBV and HCV screening and diagnosis than in treatment initiation. Prolonged anxiety/fear among patients, and loss of staff and facilities from the COVID-19 response activities must be addressed to achieve elimination of hepatitis by 2030.
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Bases de dados:
MEDLINE
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Hepatol Res
Ano de publicação:
2022
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Japão