Table 2 Study Descriptions

Barocas et al., 2014 [16], United States

To examine characteristics associated with HCV screening among PWID utilizing a free, multi-site syringe exchange program and to elicit their perceptions of barriers and facilitators to screening for HCV

18 years of age or older, could speak and read English and reported a history of injecting drugs

Syringe exchange program operating through office-based locations in two large cities and via mobile van units that serve the suburbs, surrounding rural communitites, and other smaller cities in Wisconsin

69% male

Median age of 28

83% white

Coupland et al., 2019 [12], Australia

To explore the impact of the Hepatitis C Incidence Transmission community-based outreach model in engaging and retaining newly diagnosed PWID in HCV testing as an entry point into the HCV care cascade

16 years of age and older, have injected drugs in the previous 12 months, and acquired HCV infection while enrolled in a community-based prospective observational study of hepatitis C vaccine preparedness

Community based outreach program in Sydney, Australia

57% male

Median age of 27

36% self-reported a culturally diverse background

Harris et al., 2018 [11], UK

To inform and assess the HepCATT study

Drug treatment services clients who currently or previously injected illicit drugs. Aged 19–69

Drug treatment services program in England

79% male

Age range 19–69

Harris et al., 2014 [10], UK

To examine participants’ accounts of HCV testing, especially regarding barriers to uptake

18 years of age or older, proficient in English, currently injecting an illicit drug (within the last 30 days), and having injected illicit drugs for at least six years

Community based opioid substitution therapy prescribing services and drug user networks in London, England

22 HCV antibody negative and 15 postitive

73% male

Age range 23–57

76% were white British

Latham et al., 2019 [18], Australia

To explore the acceptability of point-of-care testing for PWID within the larger Rapid-EC pilot study

Ages 19–56 with a history of injecting drugs and participating in the Rapid-EC pilot study offering point-of-care testing

Needle syringe programs in Melbourne, Australia

74% male

Age range 19–56, median 44

Phillips et al., 2021, UK

To explore the experiences of clients and staff involved in Project ITTREAT and assess the facilitators and barriers to a community-based HCV service

Drug and alcohol treatment service attendees with current/previous HCV infection and past or current injection drug use that had been offered and/or were engaged in the HCV service

Drug and alcohol treatment services in England

80% Male

100% white

Skeer et al., 2018 [17], United States

To provide a greater understanding of the perspectives and experiences of young PWID navigating the HCV care continuum, and in turn, to inform future treatment as prevention strategies

Currently injecting drugs or had injected drugs in the past but weren’t actively injecting, self-disclosed HCV positivity and between the ages of 15 and 30

Community outreach program in Boston Massachusetts

50% male

Age range 22–30

87.5% Non-hispanic white

Tofighi et al., 2020 [15], United States

To identify the complex interplay of social and environmental factors that influence engagement along the HCV care continuum

18 years of age and older admitted to inpatient detoxification for opioid use disorder

Inpatient detoxification hospital in New York City. Though thie particpants were admitted at the time of the interview the questions probed participants experience in the community, not in the hospital

78% male

Age range 21–62 (mean 44)

35% African-American, 26% Hispanic

65% diagnosed with HCV

Ward et al., 2021 [14], United States

To evaluate perceptions of social network interventions for HCV testing, linkage to care, and treatment. In particular, PWID willingess to perform the peer mentor role and to understand the barriers and facilitators of this approach

18 years of age or older, English speaking, HCV antibody positive and had a history of injection drug use

Community based research organizations and provider referral in Baltimore, Maryland

75% male

Age range 32–65 (mean 51)

75% Black/African American