CHAMPIONS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Capturing Hepatitis C diagnoses Amongst MSM using Peer networks to Improve liNkage to Services: Part 1 (Qualitative)- CHAMPIONS- Part 1
IRAS ID
293136
Contact name
Nina Vora
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2021/04/76 health research, UCL Data protection registration number
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 30 days
Research summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the second leading cause of liver disease in the UK, affecting 118,000. We now have well tolerated and effective medication and so Public Health England has pledged to eliminate hepatitis C by 2025. Historically, people who inject drugs (PWID) have been the largest affected group but the largest group affected by co-infection with HIV (which can accelerate disease progression) is men who have sex with men (MSM). There is evidence of sexual transmission and so MSM should be offered regular HCV testing if at risk for HIV acquisition (or at least annually if HIV positive). However, barriers to testing in this group remain for example, not all men who have sex with men identify as MSM and may not disclose risk. Partner notification of all positive HCV cases is also difficult due to stigma and in the context of multiple anonymous partners in some cases.\n \nThere is evidence that testing along social networks, where similar risk behaviours may be normalised, can result in yielding positive cases. CHAMPIONS aims to utilise testing among social networks of MSM using peer referral, to reach those not currently engaged with testing services. It will consist of an online questionnaire tool and home self-testing kits. \n\nThis study is the first phase of CHAMPIONS and is a qualitative study designed to help refine the tool and it’s delivery. We will utilise:\n1. Focus group discussions (FGD) with MSM who have had a diagnosis of HCV, MSM not currently testing for HCV despite being at risk and healthcare workers who work with MSM and offer HCV tests.\n2. Cognitive interviewing to refine key social network questions following input from FGD with MSM.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/EE/0198
Date of REC Opinion
28 Sep 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion