Multicenter study on the discontinuation and efficacy of chronic hepatitis C treatment in the Spanish penitentiary population (EPIBAND study).

Objective: Imprisonment entails a golden opportunity for chronic hepatitis C treatment, as treatment adherence can easily be achieved in this setting. The objective of this study was to determine the proportion and causes of discontinuation of chronic hepatitis C therapy among the Spanish penitentiary population.

Methods: This is an observational, prospective multicenter study performed in 26 Spanish penitentiaries between October 2007 and December 2009.

[Reasons for not initating HCV treatment in prison: a subanalysis of the EPIBAND study].

Objective: This sub-analysis was designed within the framework of the EPIBAND study to establish the reasons why prison patients do not initiate HCV treatment.

Methods: Epidemiological, prospective, multicentre study conducted in 26 centres. We present the results from those patients included in the EPIBAND study who did not initiate HCV treatment for different reasons.