Author:
Tsui Noel,Tjong Gabriel B.,Simms Abigail J.,Edwards Sarah A.,Cripps Shelley
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major global concern, with Indigenous Peoples bearing the highest burden. Previous studies exploring HCV prevalence within Indigenous populations have predominantly used a pan-Indigenous approach, consequently resulting in limited availability of Métis-specific HCV data. The Métis are one of the three recognized groups of Indigenous Peoples in Canada with a distinct history and language. The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is the only recognized Métis government in Ontario. This study aims to examine the prevalence of self-reported HCV testing and positive results among citizens of the MNO, as well as to explore the association between sociodemographic variables and HCV testing and positive results.
Methods
A population-based online survey was implemented by the MNO using their citizenship registry between May 6 and June 13, 2022. The survey included questions about hepatitis C testing and results, socio-demographics, and other health related outcomes. Census sampling was used, and 3,206 MNO citizens responded to the hepatitis C-related questions. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis were used to analyze the survey data.
Results
Among the respondents, 827 (25.8%, CI: 24.3–27.3) reported having undergone HCV testing and 58 indicated testing positive, resulting in a prevalence of 1.8% (CI: 1.3–2.3). Respondents with a strong sense of community belonging, higher education levels, and lower household income were more likely to report having undergone HCV testing. Among those who had undergone testing, older age groups, individuals with lower education levels, and retired individuals were more likely to test positive for HCV.
Conclusion
This study is the first Métis-led and Métis-specific study to report on HCV prevalence among Métis citizens. This research contributes to the knowledge base for Métis health and will support the MNO’s health promotion program and resources for HCV. Future research will examine the actual HCV incidence and prevalence among MNO citizens.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Reference28 articles.
1. Public Health Agency of Canada. People Living with Hepatitis C, Canada., 2019 [Internet]. 2019. Available from: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/infographic-people-living-with-hepatitis-c.html.
2. Public Health Ontario, Hepatitis C. in Ontario, 2018: Surveillance summary one year after a case definition update [Internet]. 2020. 35 p. Available from: https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/diseases-and-conditions/infectious-diseases/blood-borne-infections/hepatitis-c.
3. Uhanova J, Tate RB, Tataryn DJ, Minuk GY. The epidemiology of hepatitis C in a Canadian indigenous population. Can J Gastroenterol. 2013;27(6):336–40.
4. Pearce ME, Jongbloed K, Demerais L, MacDonald H, Christian WM, Sharma R et al. Another thing to live for: Supporting HCV treatment and cure among Indigenous people impacted by substance use in Canadian cities. International Journal of Drug Policy [Internet]. 2019;74:52–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.08.003.
5. Fayed ST, King A, King M, Macklin C, Demeria J, Rabbitskin N, et al. In the eyes of indigenous people in Canada: exposing the underlying colonial etiology of hepatitis c and the imperative for trauma-informed care. Can Liver J. 2018;1(3):116–29.