image: More than one in nine people with hepatitis C in Canada spend time in a correctional facility each year. Dr. Fiona Kouyoumdjian, a post-doctoral fellow with the Centre for Research on Inner City Health of St. Michael's Hospital, said this presents a unique opportunity to focus hepatitis C prevention and control efforts in incarcerated populations. view more
Credit: Courtesy of St. Michael's Hospital
TORONTO, Dec. 17, 2015 - More than one in nine people with hepatitis C in Canada spend time in a correctional facility each year and researchers said this presents a unique opportunity to focus hepatitis C prevention and control efforts in incarcerated populations.
People who have spent time in correctional facilities have higher risk factors for hepatitis C, including injection drug use and needle sharing, both in custody and in the community, according to the paper published online today in the Canadian Journal of Public Health.
"Incarcerated individuals are more likely to be infected with hepatitis C and more likely to continue the transmission cycle because of their involvement in risky behaviours such as sharing needles," said Dr. Fiona Kouyoumdjian, a post-doctoral fellow with the Centre for Research on Inner City Health of St. Michael's Hospital. "Time in custody is a unique opportunity for health-care workers to offer prevention activities to people who may otherwise be difficult to reach."
The paper outlined various strategies to address hepatitis C in individuals in custody, including:
- Introducing needle exchange programs in correctional facilities.
- Improving access to opioid substitution therapy and other drug treatments, which previous research has shown to prevent hepatitis C infection in injection drug users.
- Offering screening for hepatitis C in all correctional facilities.
- Expanding access to hepatitis C treatment in correctional facilities, when feasible and appropriate.
- Linking individuals to community-based programs upon their release.
Dr. Kouyoumdjian said health-care and public services in correctional facilities should be equivalent to those available in the community, and that individuals in custody should have access to the tools they need to improve their health.
"Any strategy addressing hepatitis C in Canada should include a focus on people who experience incarceration," said Dr. Kouyoumdjian. "Identifying and managing hepatitis C in incarcerated individuals can prevent the progression of the disease in infected individuals, and can have a positive effect in society, by reducing transmission rates and health care costs."
###
About St. Michael's Hospital
St. Michael's Hospital provides compassionate care to all who enter its doors. The hospital also provides outstanding medical education to future health care professionals in more than 23 academic disciplines. Critical care and trauma, heart disease, neurosurgery, diabetes, cancer care, and care of the homeless are among the hospital's recognized areas of expertise. Through the Keenan Research Centre and the Li Ka Shing International Healthcare Education Centre, which make up the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, research and education at St. Michael's Hospital are recognized and make an impact around the world. Founded in 1892, the hospital is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto.
Media contacts
For more information, or to arrange an interview with Dr. Kouyoumdjian, please contact:
Corinne Ton That
Communications and Public Affairs
St. Michael's Hospital
416-864-6060 ext.7178
tonthatc@smh.ca
Inspired Care. Inspiring Science.
http://www.stmichaelshospital.com
Follow us on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/stmikeshospital