Counseling Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Positive Patients for Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors
Hepatitis C, Atherosclerosis
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Hepatitis C
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- HCV antibody positive tested at one of six locations in New Orleans: Ozanam Inn, New Orleans Mission, Bethel Colony South, Grace House, St. Anna's Mobile Clinic, and Ruth Fertel
Exclusion Criteria:
- vulnerable populations including children, prisoners, pregnant women
- non-English speaking patients since effective counseling cannot be provided
Sites / Locations
- Tulane University HCV Testing Clinics
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
No Intervention
CVD risk factor counseling
Standard of care counseling
This arm will receive intervention 'Patient counseling for HCV associated CVD risk factors' in addition to standard of care Hepatitis C counseling. Cardiovascular risk factor counseling will include: Increased risk for atherosclerosis with chronic HCV infection Increased risk of heart attack and stroke Treatment of HCV infection and reduction of viral load reducing risk of stroke and heart attack
This arm will receive standard of care Hepatitis C counseling: HCV infection poses an increased risk for hepatocellular carcinoma Hepatitis C is a curable disease Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood to blood contact, primarily through sharing needles HCV+ individuals should be vaccinated for Hepatitis A (HAV) and Hepatitis B (HBV) HCV+ individuals should reduce alcohol intake and shellfish consumption