Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Feb 5, 2019
Open Peer Review Period: Feb 8, 2019 - Feb 22, 2019
Date Accepted: Jul 19, 2019
Date Submitted to PubMed: Jan 31, 2020
(closed for review but you can still tweet)
Design and development of viral hepatitis and HIV infection control program in the general, Greek Roma and migrant populations (HPROLIPSIS): The protocol of three cross-sectional health examination surveys in Greece
ABSTRACT
Background:
Although infectious diseases are globally on decline, they remain a major global public health problem. Among them, hepatitis B (HBV) or C virus (HCV) and HIV infection are of main interest. Valid prevalence data on these infections are sparse in Greece, especially for vulnerable populations.
Objective:
We present the design and methods of “Hprolipsis”, an integrated viral hepatitis and HIV screening program administered to adults (≥ 18 years) from the general, Greek Roma and migrant populations. Its aims were to estimate the prevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV, assess infectious disease knowledge level, design, implement and assess population-specific awareness actions, offer individual counselling and referral when indicated and HBV vaccination to susceptible Roma and migrants.
Methods:
Multistage stratified random sampling based on 2011 Census was applied to select the general population sample and non-probability multistage quota sampling for Roma and migrants. Trained personnel made home (general population) or community (Roma/migrants) visits. Collected blood samples were tested for HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs, anti-HCV and HIV1/2. The surveys were conducted during May 2013-June 2016.
Results:
Totally, 6,006 individuals from the general population (response rate 72%), 583 Greek Roma and 612 migrants were recruited. Blood test results are available for 4245 individuals from the general population, 523 Roma and 537 migrants.
Conclusions:
Hprolipsis is the first nationwide survey on HBV, HCV and HIV. Its results will increase our understanding on health needs and investigated infectious diseases burden in the three studied populations. Its implementation provided useful recommendations for future studies, particularly in vulnerable populations.
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