Factors associated with utilization of mobile health clinic hepatitis C virus services among medically underserved communities in South Carolina
Howard, Kerry A.; Gezer, Fatih; Moore, Caitlin A.; Witrick, Brian; Babatunde, Abass; Roth, Prerana; Coleman, Ashley; Boswell, Kristie; Gimbel, Ronald W.; Litwin, Alain H.; Rennert, Lior
Why this matters
Mobile hepatitis C services have the greatest value when deployments align with communities carrying the highest burden. Screening 1,035 people in South Carolina found higher use in communities with more poverty and more uninsured residents, and higher infection rates among people with injection drug use history and uninsured people aged 30 to 44.
Abstract
Mobile health clinics (MHCs) are effective mechanisms for hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening and treatment in underserved populations. However, effective strategies for identifying and prioritizing high-risk communities are lacking. This study examined individual-level and community-level predictors of MHC utilization, HCV positivity rates, and HCV treatment initiation to assess the utility of these programs and improve MHC allocation. Screening services were provided by Clemson Rural Health mobile health clinics in the Upstate and Midlands regions of South Carolina between May 2021 and January 2024, with 1,035 individuals screened. Communities with higher poverty rates and uninsured populations showed greater MHC utilization. Individuals with injection drug use history, those aged 30-44, and uninsured persons were more likely to have HCV infections. The study demonstrated the utilization of MHC HCV services by the individuals and communities that would most benefit from this type of care.