Hepatitis C Virus Cascade of Care in Florida Emergency Departments.

BACKGROUND

Florida has the second-highest rate of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection cases in the United States. However, HCV care cascade outcomes among individuals seeking care in Florida emergency departments (EDs) remain unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To assess HCV care cascade outcomes and identify HCV infection predictors among individuals tested for HCV in Florida EDs.

RESEARCH STUDY

DESIGN

This retrospective study used electronic health records (2016-2023) linked to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality on Social Determinants of Health regional data.

SUBJECTS: Adults aged 18-79 years tested for HCV infection in Florida EDs.

MEASURES: Outcomes included the proportions of individuals completing each HCV care cascade step: (1) HCV screening; (2) HCV diagnosis; (3) linkage to care; and (4) treatment initiation. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of HCV infection.

RESULTS

Among individuals seeking care in EDs, 4.98% (n=18,444) were tested for HCV, of whom 4.97% were confirmed HCV-positive. Among HCV-positive individuals, 11.24% were linked to care, and 2.84% initiated treatment. Significant predictors of HCV infection included having Medicaid insurance (OR=1.53, 95% CI: 1.14-2.07) or being uninsured (OR=2.88, 95% CI: 2.02-4.12), coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus (OR=28.99, 95% CI: 22.31-37.67), opioid injection drug use (OR=3.62, 95% CI: 2.76-4.75), opioid overdose (OR=3.89, 95% CI: 2.32-6.52), and residing in communities characterized by lower educational attainment (fourth quartile OR=1.95, 95% CI: 1.27-2.98).

CONCLUSIONS

Significant gaps persist across the HCV care cascade among individuals tested in Florida EDs. Innovative public health interventions are needed to support these vulnerable populations.