Table 3.
Barriers for hepatitis C (HCV) testing and care among people who inject drugs
| Category | N(%) |
|---|---|
| Perceived barriers to HCV testing1, (n=24) | |
| Lack of knowledge of a testing location | 17(70.8) |
| Low HCV risk perception | 6(25) |
| Fear of HCV positive result | 4(16.7) |
| Lack of transportation | 3(12.5) |
| Lack of health insurance | 3(12.5) |
| Perceived barriers to HCV care2, (n=150) | |
| Lack of knowledge of a treatment location | 118(78.7) |
| Lack of transportation | 117(78) |
| Drug abstinence requirement | 112(74.7) |
| Feeling unwelcome at medical facilities | 57(38) |
| Insurance problems | 44(29.3) |
| Fear of HCV disclosure to others | 43(28.7) |
| Medical distrust | 13(8.7) |
| Perceived barriers among PWID linked to HCV care3,(n=38) | |
| Lack of transportation | 13(34.2) |
| Fear of side effects | 11(28.9) |
| Wait time for first appointment with HCV provider | 6(15.8) |
| Did not want treatment | 4(10.5) |
| Did not have health insurance | 4(10.5) |
| Using too many drugs or alcohol | 6(15.8) |
| Inconvenient location or office hours | 5(13.2) |
1
The question inquiring about barriers to testing was asked only to participants who reported never being tested.
2
The question inquiring about barriers to care utilization was asked to all participants.
3
The question inquiring about barriers to treatment was asked only to participants who reported being linked to HCV care.