Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Language

English

Publication Date

1-1-2025

Journal

Cancer Control

DOI

10.1177/10732748251374419

PMID

40903848

PMCID

PMC12409017

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

9-3-2025

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Abstract

Introduction

Hepatitis B and C (HBV/HCV) are bloodborne infections, with individuals who have histories of substance use and homelessness bearing a disproportionate risk. Long-standing difficulties in engaging these populations have made testing and treatment challenging. This retrospective observational study describes a community-based approach to HBV/HCV prevention and treatment, comparing the effectiveness of different engagement site types in reaching and engaging this high-need population.

Methods

GRASSROOTS HEALTH was launched in 2018 to improve HBV/HCV care by providing on-site testing, HBV vaccination, treatment navigation, and adherence support across various housing and drop-in centers. Outcomes were tracked through REDCap and analyzed by engagement site.

Results

GRASSROOTS HEALTH reached nearly 2000 clients, with the greatest needs for HCV treatment in drop-in centers and HBV vaccination in low-income/permanent supportive housing. All sites demonstrated a relatively high return on effort, as evidenced by the percentage of participants needing HBV vaccination or HCV/HBV treatment.

Conclusion

Engaging individuals through housing and service centers effectively reached a high-need community, with findings suggesting that different engagement points may enhance outreach based on the primary focus (HCV treatment vs HBV vaccination).

Keywords

Humans, Retrospective Studies, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Male, Female, Middle Aged, Adult, Ill-Housed Persons, Housing, Community Health Services, Hepatitis B Vaccines, liver diseases, housing, health services, homelessness, patient care, poverty, preventative medicine, primary prevention, public housing, community health workers

Published Open-Access

yes

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