Factors Associated with Sustained Virologic Response to Hepatitis C Treatment in a Homeless-Experienced Cohort in Boston, 2014-2020.

BACKGROUND

Engaging people experiencing homelessness or unstable housing in hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment is critical to achieving HCV elimination.

OBJECTIVE

To describe HCV treatment outcomes, including factors associated with retention through the treatment cascade, for a cohort of individuals treated in a homeless health center in Boston.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

All individuals who initiated HCV treatment with Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program's HCV treatment program between January 2014 and March 2020 (N = 867).

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was sustained virologic response (SVR), defined as an HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) level ≤ 15 IU/mL at least 12 weeks after treatment completion. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine the association between baseline variables and SVR. Process-oriented outcomes included treatment completion, assessment for SVR, and achievement of SVR.

RESULTS

Of 867 individuals who started HCV treatment, 796 (91.8%) completed treatment, 678 (78.2%) were assessed for SVR, and 607 (70.0%) achieved SVR. In adjusted analysis, residing in stable housing (OR 3.83, 95% CI 1.85-7.90) and age > 45 years old (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.04-2.26) were associated with a greater likelihood of achieving SVR. Recent drug use (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.41-0.95) was associated with a lower likelihood of SVR. Age, housing status, and drug use status impacted retention at every step in the treatment cascade.

CONCLUSION

A large proportion of homeless-experienced individuals engaging in HCV treatment in a homeless health center achieved SVR, but enhanced approaches are needed to engage and retain younger individuals, those with recent or ongoing substance use, or those experiencing homelessness or unstable housing. Efforts to achieve HCV elimination in this population should consider the complex and overlapping challenges experienced by this population and aim to address the fundamental harm of homelessness itself.