HBV (Hepatitis B Virus), HCV Infection
Conditions
Brief summary
The goal of this observational study is to assess the effectiveness of targeted screening for Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) infections in adults aged 18 to 50 from the Chinese community residing in Milan. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does community-based, culturally sensitive screening increase the detection of undiagnosed HBV and HCV infections in this high-risk population? * What is the level of adherence, satisfaction and awareness regarding rapid testing methods in this community? Participants will: * Receive pre-test counseling in Italian or Chinese with the help of an interpreter * Complete a brief, anonymous questionnaire on demographics, risk factors and awareness of HBV/HCV * Undergo capillary rapid testing for HBV and/or HCV * Receive test results during the same visit * Complete a short post-test satisfaction questionnaire The study will be conducted in public spaces within Milan's Chinatown, during monthly sessions, until 1,000 participants are enrolled. Each session will last approximately 30-60 minutes per participant.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 50 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Adults aged 18 to 50 years * Self-identified as part of the Chinese community residing in Milan * Willing and able to provide informed consent * Willing to undergo HBV and/or HCV rapid screening (capillary blood test) * Able to complete an anonymous questionnaire on demographics, risk factors and awareness of HBV and HCV infections * Able to communicate in Italian or Chinese (with interpreter assistance, if needed)
Exclusion criteria
* Age under 18 or over 50 years * Not from the Chinese community or not residing in Milan * Unable to provide informed consent * Currently undergoing treatment for HBV or HCV, or with previously confirmed diagnosis of HBV or HCV * Severe mental or physical illness impairing participation or understanding of consent * Unable to respond to the questionnaire, even with interpreter assistance * Pregnant women
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Detection rate of HBV and/or HCV infections | Day 1 (during the screening session) | Proportion of participants from the Chinese community residing in Milan who test positive for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and/or anti-HCV antibodies using capillary rapid tests during the screening session |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Adherence to rapid HBV/HCV testing | Day 1 | Proportion of participants who complete the full screening process, including pre-test counseling, informed consent, questionnaire and rapid testing |
| Acceptability of rapid testing methods | Day 1 | Participant satisfaction and perceived acceptability of the capillary rapid testing process, measured through a standardized post-test questionnaire |
| Demographic profile and risk factors of screened individuals | Day 1 | Distribution of age, sex and self-reported risk factors among participants who undergo screening |
| Awareness of HBV and HCV infections | Day 1 | Proportion of participants who report prior awareness or knowledge of HBV and/or HCV infections in the pre-test questionnaire |
Outcome results
None listed