Acceptability of hepatitis C testing using point-of-care testing and dried blood spot collection among people at risk of hepatitis C infection.

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C (HCV) testing innovations such as dried blood spot (DBS) and point-of-care testing should have fewer client-related barriers than traditional diagnostic pathways, yet there is limited evidence on their acceptability among people who inject drugs. To address this gap, this study sought to evaluate the acceptability of DBS and point-of-care testing among people at risk of HCV infection and understand the circumstances in which such testing is most preferred.

METHODS

Participants were recruited from community sites involved in the Australian HCV Point-of-Care Testing Program. Inclusion criteria were aged ≥18 years, sufficient proficiency in the English language, history of HCV testing at least once, and informed consent. Between June and August 2023, in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted via telephone with clients on their perceptions and experiences of HCV DBS and point-of-care testing. Data were coded and analysed thematically with Sekhon's theoretical framework of acceptability.

RESULTS

Forty participants were interviewed: 18 had previously received HCV DBS testing, 8 had received HCV point-of-care testing, 8 had experience with both, and 6 had no prior experience with either test. Most participants preferred point-of-care compared to DBS and venepuncture due to the shorter time to result and some identified that this reduced anxiety while waiting for results (burden). Among participants in this study, many felt that the provision of non-judgemental care was more important than whether testing was performed by peers (ethicality). Many participants indicated a preference for assisted collection when compared to self-collected or mail testing service (self-efficacy).

CONCLUSION

Applying Sekhon's acceptability framework highlighted remaining service gaps to bridge client HCV testing experiences, including enhanced education on testing modalities and their results, an increased need for non-judgemental care, and the use of peer support in community settings.