Perceptions and concerns of hepatitis C reinfection following prison-wide treatment scale-up: Counterpublic health amid hepatitis C treatment as prevention efforts in the prison setting

摘要: Abstract Background Hepatitis C (HCV) infection is highly prevalent within the prison setting. Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies have changed HCV treatment landscape, offering simple (with minimal side-effects) and high efficacy. These advances enabled first real-world study of as prevention (TasP), Surveillance Treatment Prisoners with hepatitis (SToP-C) study. This paper draws on data from qualitative interviews completed SToP-C participants following prison-wide DAA scale-up. Methods Semi-structured were undertaken 23 men in completion to identify ongoing risk practices, perceptions strategies for setting, experiences (as prevention), reinfection cure. Analysis was using a counterpublic health lens risks among people treated Results Participants identified number challenges meaningful ‘cure’ absence increased access (e.g., opioid agonist therapy needle syringe programs) along concerns that only temporary whilst incarcerated. ‘Cure’ status included self-perceptions being “clean”, while also imposing responsibility individual maintain their status. Conclusion provided somewhat under guise ‘cure easy’, but fails address factors experienced by who inject drugs prisons, well other may be at blood-to-blood exposure. Health messaging regarding should tailored ensure patient-centred care. interventions must whole person circumstances which they live, not just illness.