Using mass media and the Internet as tools to diagnose hepatitis C infections in the general population

Freke R Zuure, Udi Davidovich, Roel A Coutinho, Gerjo Kok, Christian J P A Hoebe, Anneke van den Hoek, Peter L M Jansen, Paula van Leeuwen-Gilbert, Nicole C Verheuvel, Christine J Weegink, Maria Prins

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Many individuals with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are undiagnosed.

PURPOSE: This study describes the development and the use and outcomes of a mass media campaign, combined with an Internet risk assessment and an Internet-mediated blood-testing procedure for HCV to identify individuals infected with HCV in the general population.

METHODS: From April 2007 to December 2008, individuals in HCV risk groups were referred to an online, previously validated risk-assessment questionnaire at www.heptest.nl. Individuals at risk could download a referral letter for a free, anonymous HCV blood test in a nonclinical setting. Test results could be obtained online, 1 week later, using a personal log-in code. Anti-HCV-positive participants were requested to visit the Public Health Service for confirmation and RNA testing. Chronically HCV-infected individuals were referred for treatment. Data were analyzed in 2009-2010.

RESULTS: The website attracted 40,902 visitors. Of the 9653 who completed the questionnaire, 2553 were at risk for HCV (26.4%). Main reported risk factors were a blood transfusion prior to 1992 and noninjecting drug use. Of the 1480 eligible for the blood test, 420 opted for testing (28%). HCV antibodies were detected in 3.6% (n=15, 95% CI=2.1%, 5.7%); of the 12 with a chronic HCV infection, six began treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: Internet-mediated risk-based testing for HCV has proved to be a feasible and effective strategy to identify undiagnosed HCV infection in the general population. All HCV-infected individuals belonged to hard-to-reach populations. Test uptake was 28%, which is high for an online project that includes blood testing. Because Internet-mediated testing is low-cost, this strategy holds promise for future screening.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)345-52
Number of pages8
JournalAmerican journal of preventive medicine
Volume40
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Adult
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Hematologic Tests/methods
  • Hepacivirus/isolation & purification
  • Hepatitis C Antibodies/blood
  • Hepatitis C/diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Internet
  • Male
  • Mass Media
  • Mass Screening/methods
  • Middle Aged
  • Netherlands
  • Risk Assessment/methods
  • Risk Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Cite this