Behavior modification following a diagnosis of hepatitis C infection.

Objectives: To determine the extent of postdiagnosis counseling and to characterize behavior before and after diagnosis of hepatitis C infection.

Methods: We interviewed 133 persons diagnosed with hepatitis C in Wyoming from 1999 to 2001.

Results: Approximately two thirds of cases received counseling at the time of diagnosis. Older and symptomatic patients were more likely to receive counseling. Counseling was significantly associated with increases in condom use, wound covering, and hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccination, but not with changes in addictive behaviors.

Conclusions: Counseling was an effective strategy for promoting several desirable behavior changes among persons with hepatitis C infection.