Distribution of rapid HCV antibody self-test kits via needle/syringe dispensing machines: Implementation and evaluation of the Vend-C pilot study in Melbourne, Australia.
J Viral Hepat
; 31(3): 151-155, 2024 03.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38158743
ABSTRACT
Recent guidance from the World Health Organization strongly recommended hepatitis C virus (HCV) self-testing. We implemented the Vend-C pilot study to explore the effectiveness and feasibility of distributing rapid HCV antibody self-test kits to people who inject drugs via needle/syringe dispensing machines (SDMs). Over a 51-day study period between August and September 2022, we distributed HCV antibody self-test kits via two SDMs. During the study period, 63 self-test kits were dispensed, averaging 1.2 self-test kits per day. Our access methods for evaluation questionnaires failed to attract participants (n = 4). We implemented the Vend-C pilot study in direct response to recent WHO recommendations. While self-test kits were effectively distributed from the two SDMs, our evaluation methodology failed. Consequently, we cannot determine the success of linkage to care. Even so, with HCV treatment numbers dropping in Australia, innovative engagement solutions are needed, and considering the number of self-test kits provided in our pilot, the model could have an important future place in HCV elimination efforts.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Abuso de Substâncias por Via Intravenosa
/
Hepatite C
Limite:
Humans
País/Região como assunto:
Oceania
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article