Study: Prevalence of HCV Testing Still Low for Baby Boomers
Prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing did not increase and remains low among baby boomers, despite the publication of recent recommendations.
In 2013, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended 1 time HCV testing in persons born between 1945 and 1965.
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Researchers assessed whether the new recommendations influenced the rate of HCV testing in baby boomers using data from 21,827 respondents involved in the National Health Interview Survey from 2013 and 2015. Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were used to calculate weighted prevalence of HCV testing.
Overall, the percentage of baby boomers who received HCV testing increased from 12.3% in 2013 to 13.8% in 2015. Adults with Medicare plus Medicaid (PR=1.83, 95% CI=1.32, 2.53), Medicaid only (PR=1.35, 95% CI=1.04, 1.76), or military insurance (PR=1.62, 95% CI=1.16, 2.26) had higher reported HCV testing than privately insured adults.
In addition, HCV testing was greater in men than women (PR=1.25, 95% CI=1.08, 1.44), and individuals with a college degree had higher HCV testing rates than those with less than or only a high school diploma (PR=0.63, 95% CI=0.48, 0.82 and PR=0.58, 95% CI=0.48, 0.72, respectively). Likewise, people who had lived with someone with hepatitis had a higher prevalence for HCV testing than those who did not (PR=2.44, 95% CI=2.01, 2.96).
“These findings underscore the need for increased awareness for HCV testing among healthcare providers and baby boomers and other innovative strategies such as state-mandated HCV testing,” the researchers concluded.
—Melissa Weiss
Reference:
Jemal A, Fedewa SA. Recent hepatitis C virus testing pattern among baby boomers [published online March 8, 2017]. Am J Prev Med. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2017.01.033.