Hepatitis C virus micro-elimination in vulnerable populations before and during a global pandemic.

Objective: to analyze a hepatitis C virus (HCV) microelimination strategy targeting vulnerable populations and the influence of the pandemic on its maintenance and outcomes.

Methods: in 2018, the Hepatology Unit implemented an HCV microelimination strategy for patients attending drug addiction care centers and Psychiatry Units such as the Alcoholism Treatment Unit. These centers reported suspected or confirmed cases of HCV infection directly to the hepatologists, who, after reviewing the clinical records, cite those patients if necessary.

[Validation: reliable instruments needed. Attitude scale and an opinion poll].

The use of the scientific method in research and investigation in nursing requires avoiding subjectivity at all times. Professionals obtain data by means of instruments which must be operative, valid and reliable. The authors develop and verify two instruments: a nine question opinion poll which uses tests and retests, having a 93-40% concordance proportion.