Factors influencing hepatitis C test uptake following exposure to an infected healthcare worker: Insights from a patient notification exercise

Objectives

Following the identification of a hepatitis C (HCV) RNA positive healthcare worker, a Patient Notification Exercise (PNE) was undertaken in Lanarkshire, Scotland in 2016. This study analyses the results of the PNE to explore the demographics of those contacted and examines the factors associated, particularly geographic distance to a testing clinic, was associated with not being tested.

Study design

Cross-sectional observational study.

Methods

Eligible patients were identified using electronic health records and offered HCV screening through local clinics. A cross-sectional study examined demographics of the cohort and factors associated with not being tested for HCV were analysed using binary logistic regression.

Results

The study cohort included 6828 individuals, and 19.8 % of these were not tested for HCV during the PNE. In the regression analysis, the odds of not being tested were highest in men (adjusted OR = 1.79, 95 % CI 1.57–2.02, p < 0.0001), those aged <30 years (aOR = 2.76, 95 % CI 1.98–3.85, p < 0.0001) and those living in the most deprived areas (aOR = 1.58, 95 % CI 1.29–1.92, p < 0.001). There was no evidence that distance to testing clinic was a barrier to testing.

Conclusions

The PNE had a high response rate with 80.2 % test uptake and no additional related infections were found Test uptake varied across different groups with men, younger people and those living in deprived areas less likely to participate. Targeted strategies, such as tailored communication or increased testing options, should be used to improve uptake rates in future exercises.