TREATMENT OF HEPATITIS C VIRUS IN UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. We propose to conduct a study to assess the feasibility of treating drug users for hepatitis C. We hypothesize that by maximizing facilitators and minimizing barriers to treatment we can enable drug users to receive effective treatment for hepatitis C. The specific aims are: 1. To estimate the proportions of drug uses referred from community-based field sites presenting for evaluation for hepatitis C treatment who (a) complete a medical evaluation for hepatitis C treatment, (b) receive antiviral treatment for hepatitis C, and (c) complete antiviral treatment for hepatitis C. 2. To describe the characteristics of drug users associated with completion of these outcomes. 3. To determine (i.e., describe qualitively and quantify) reasons for not starting treatment and for treatment discontinuation. 4. To describe the safety and efficacy of the pegylated interferon and ribavirin regimen in active drug users.