Promoting equitable access to hepatitis C treatment for Indo-Chinese injecting drug users

摘要: Issue addressed: Increasing the uptake of hepatitis C treatment by injecting drug users (IDUs) is a key strategy in addressing escalating disease burden chronic virus (HCV) infection Australia. Little known about barriers to among culturally diverse groups IDUs. Indo-Chinese IDUs represent marginalised group with high rates incident and prevalent HCV infection. Methods: An ethnographic study was conducted explore experienced inform development policies practices that promote access treatment. Following baseline interview, participants (n=23) received brief intervention an offer facilitated referral tertiary liver clinic. Follow-up interviews were three six months post intervention, decision-making treatment-seeking experiences accessing Results: While ?getting rid of? regarded as highly desirable, only assessed for For most participants, seeking not seen feasible given social structural related their use, lack resources support. Institutional included clinic?s administrative procedures, limited flexibility apparent reluctance consider current suitable candidates Conclusions: Resources support, flexible, low threshold approaches assessment willingness provide IDUs, would equitable these groups. Key words: user, treatment, marginalisation, cultural diversity.