HEPATITIS C SCREENING in ADULTS with RISK FACTORS in FIVE CITIES of COLOMBIA'S CARIBBEAN COAST (FIVE-CC)

Launched by DIANA ROCIO CHAVEZ BEJARANO · Mar 21, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called the HEPATITIS C SCREENING in ADULTS with RISK FACTORS in FIVE CITIES of COLOMBIA'S CARIBBEAN COAST (FIVE-CC), is focused on understanding how common hepatitis C is among adults in five cities in Colombia. Hepatitis C is a serious liver infection that can lead to long-term health issues like liver damage and even cancer. The study aims to identify adults who might have this infection through quick blood tests and follow-up testing to confirm the results.

To participate, individuals must be over 50 years old or between 18 and 50 years old and have certain risk factors, such as having undergone medical procedures, using drugs, or being involved in high-risk activities. Participants will need to agree to join the study and provide consent. This research is important because it will help health officials understand how widespread hepatitis C is in these areas, which is crucial for planning better prevention and treatment strategies. If you have any of the mentioned risk factors, you may be eligible and can expect to receive more information about hepatitis C during the study.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• Present at least one of the following risk factors for hepatitis C:
• • People over 50 years old with or without risk factors.
• * People aged 18 and under 50 years old with risk factors for hepatitis C:
• • Individuals who have undergone medical or dental interventions in healthcare settings, Individuals with tattoos, body piercings, or scarification, Individuals co-infected with HIV or hepatitis B, People who inject drugs, Individuals who have used intranasal drugs, Individuals currently or previously incarcerated, Anyone with abnormal liver tests or liver disease, Healthcare students, workers, or public safety personnel (e.g., prison officers or police) who have been exposed to blood at work through needle-stick injuries or sharp objects, Sex workers, Men who have sex with men, Users of port health services, Reinserted or reintegrated individuals, Anyone who has undergone hemodialysis, Individuals who received blood transfusions in Colombia before 1996, People with comorbidities potentially associated with HC: diabetes, ischemic heart disease, cryoglobulinemia, chronic kidney disease, Sjögren's syndrome, hypothyroidism, lichen planus, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, Individuals previously treated for HCV with a sustained viral response, where reinfection is suspected (individuals who continue to engage in risk behaviors). Confirmation testing through HCV viral load (PCR HCV) will be considered for inclusion in the study.
• • - Agree to participate in the study by signing an informed consent form.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Have had hepatitis C within the last three months with a confirmed cure by viral load 12 weeks after treatment or are actively receiving treatment for HCV and do not continue to engage in risk behaviors for reinfection.
• • Voluntarily and knowingly refuse to sign the informed consent form or are unable to provide consent due to any type of physical and/or mental disability.