National Prisons Hepatitis Education Program
National Prisons Hepatitis Education Project: Research Evaluation
NA · Kirby Institute · NCT05942937
This study is testing a new education program to help people in Australian prisons learn more about hepatitis C and improve their testing and treatment rates.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 3000 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Kirby Institute (other gov) |
| Locations | 2 sites (Rockhampton, Queensland and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05942937 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The National Prisons Hepatitis Education Program (HepPEd Program) is designed to enhance health literacy regarding hepatitis C (HCV) among healthcare providers, correctional officers, and incarcerated individuals in Australian prisons. This program aims to improve HCV testing and treatment rates by implementing a structured education intervention over a nine-month period in selected correctional centres. The study will evaluate the program's impact through a controlled before-and-after design, measuring changes in knowledge, attitudes, and treatment uptake related to HCV. Monthly surveillance data will be collected to assess the effectiveness of the intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study include healthcare providers, correctional officers, and incarcerated individuals at participating correctional centres in Australia.
Not a fit: Patients who are not currently incarcerated or those in facilities without an existing hepatitis service may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly increase HCV testing and treatment rates among incarcerated individuals, improving their health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in improving health literacy and treatment uptake in prison settings, indicating that this approach has potential based on prior evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
All healthcare providers, correctional officers, and people in prison at the participating prison sites are anticipated to be exposed to the various HepPEd Program resources during the 3 month education intervention phase. Participating prison sites must meet the following inclusion criteria to be eligible to participate in the study. Participating prison sites must have: * a prisoner population of 400-600 inmates (assumed mean 500); and * an existing prison-based hepatitis service undertaking both HCV testing and treatment. Prisoners must meet the following inclusion criteria to be eligible to participate as peer educators. Prisoners must: * be currently incarcerated in a participating correctional centre; * anticipate being in the participating correctional centre for \>12 months; * be considered as capable and willing, and well-respected amongst their peers; and * have approval from custodial authorities to participate as a peer educator. Correctional officers must meet the following inclusion criteria to be eligible to participate as peer champions. Correctional officers must: * be currently working in a participating correctional centre; and * be considered as capable and willing, and well-respected amongst their peers. Prisoners must meet the following inclusion criteria to be eligible to participate in the interview-style survey and dried blood spot (DBS) testing component: 1. be over the age of 18 years; 2. be currently incarcerated in a participating correctional centre; 3. have sufficient English comprehension skills to understand the survey questions; and 4. be willing and able to provide written informed consent. Healthcare providers and correctional officers must meet the following inclusion criteria to be eligible to participate in the survey component: 1) be currently working in a participating correctional centre.
Where this trial is running
Rockhampton, Queensland and 1 other locations
- Capricornia Correctional Centre — Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia (RECRUITING)
- Risdon Prison Complex — Hobart, Tasmania, Australia (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Andrew Lloyd
- Email: a.lloyd@unsw.edu.au
- Phone: 02 9385 2534
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: HCV, Hepatitis C, Public Health, Health Service, Prison, Education