Liver fibrosis regression in people living with HIV after successful treatment for hepatitis C.

Background: Successful treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) can lead to liver fibrosis regression. It is not known who will experience fibrosis regression or how quickly it will occur.

Methods: We modelled transient elastography (TE) measurements from 1470 HIV-HCV coinfected participants followed in cohorts contributing data to InCHEHC, an international collaboration.

Enhancing Hepatitis C Virus Testing, Linkage to Care, and Treatment Commencement in Hospitals: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: The hospital-led interventions yielding the best hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing and treatment uptake are poorly understood.

Methods: We searched Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases for studies assessing outcomes of hospital-led interventions for HCV antibody or RNA testing uptake, linkage to care, or direct-acting antiviral commencement compared with usual care, a historical comparator, or control group. We systematically reviewed hospital-led interventions delivered in inpatient units, outpatient clinics, or emergency departments.

Disproportionate, differential and targeted treatment: people who use drugs' experiences of policing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, governments worldwide introduced law enforcement measures to deter and punish breaches of emergency public health orders. For example, in Victoria, Australia, discretionary fines of A$1,652 were issued for breaching stay-at-home orders, and A$4,957 fines for 'unlawful gatherings'; to date, approximately 30,000 fines remain outstanding or not paid in full. Studies globally have revealed how the expansion of policing powers produced significant collateral damage for marginalized populations, including people from low-income neighboorhoods, Indigenous Peoples, sex workers, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Young people's preferences and motivations for STI partner notification: observational findings from the 2024 Sex, Drugs and Rock 'n' Roll survey.

Background Partner notification is an important step in the control of sexually transmissible infections (STIs). STIs remain at high rates among young people and can have serious reproductive consequences if left untreated. This study aimed to determine the preferences and motivations for partner notification among young people in Australia.

Practical solutions to resolve social barriers to hepatitis C treatment initiation among people who inject drugs: a qualitative study.

Background: We aimed to identify motivators for people who inject drugs to pursue treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and uncover opportunities that could make treatment more appealing.

Methods: Between November 2023 and January 2024, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 HCV RNA-positive individuals with a history of injecting drug use and self-reported as either untreated or treated but delayed treatment for more than 6 months. Thematic and framework data analysis was employed and interpreted using the Capability, Opportunity and Motivation (COM-B) framework of behaviour change.