Publications by authors named "Lucy Pepolim"
Article Synopsis
- The study examined a single-visit test and treatment approach for hepatitis C virus (HCV) among individuals with recent injecting drug use, integrating point-of-care RNA testing, nursing support, and peer engagement at a needle and syringe program in Sydney, Australia.
- Of the 101 participants, 27% tested positive for HCV RNA, with a treatment initiation rate of 74%; most initiated treatment within a few days of testing.
- The overall treatment completion rate was 60%, with a high sustained virological response rate of 89% among those who were evaluated, demonstrating the effectiveness of this intervention in improving HCV treatment access.
Background: New technologies and therapies allow the possibility of a single-visit test and treat model for hepatitis C virus (HCV), addressing some of the barriers to care faced by people who inject drugs.
Methods: The TEMPO Pilot Study was an interventional cohort study evaluating a single-visit test and treat intervention among people with recent injecting drug use at a one peer-led needle and syringe program (NSP) in Sydney, Australia between September 2019 and February 2021. This analysis evaluated awareness of HCV status and agreement of self-report with HCV RNA test results.
Introduction: One of the current harm reduction debates in Australia concerns the legalisation of the extended distribution of sterile needles and syringes, a practice that is currently unlawful in most Australian settings.
Methods: We used data from a unique pilot program of authorised extended distribution to document the opinions held by 22 key stakeholders -service staff, drug users and police - about the risks and benefits of authorisation, and to analyse the ways in which drug users were understood within these.
Results: Opinions were strongly in favour of authorising extended distribution, based on the belief that this would reduce the transmission of hepatitis C.